Apparatus for heat-shrinking film onto an open-topped container

ABSTRACT

A system for heat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped container is provided, including at least one reflective cup having a reflective interior surface, and at least one radiant energy source. The reflective cup and the radiant energy source may be rotationally mounted. The interior surface of the reflective cup has at least an elliptical portion and a parabolic portion.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/387,366, filed Jun. 10, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/387,337, filed Jun. 10, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/387,527, filed Jun. 10, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/387,339, filed Jun. 10, 2002, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/359,119filed Feb. 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,718.

This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for heat shrinking thinfilm onto an open-topped container, such as a cup. According to oneembodiment, this invention pertains to apparatus and methods for heatshrinking a film onto an open-topped container, where a plurality ofreflectors are used to direct radiant energy to a specific area of thefilm to cause shrinking.

Presently, in the fast food drink industry, it is typical to serve adrink in a paper, plastic, or other disposable cup topped with apreformed plastic lid. The plastic lid fits relatively tightly over thebrim formed at the top of, for example, a paper drink cup, and mayinclude apertures to permit straws or openings to be formed in the lidto allow one to directly drink the contents of the cup without removingthe lid.

Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with the use of theseplastic lids. For example, the lids are bulky and create problems instorage and in disposal. Still further, the seal formed by the lids isdependent upon the lid being placed on properly, and these seals canleak if the lid is not properly placed or if the lids are not properlyformed.

In order to overcome these problems, various devices and methods havebeen proposed in which a cover is placed on an open-topped container andthen heated to shrink it into sealing engagement with the top of such acontainer. These prior art devices and methods, however, fail to providea sufficiently cost efficient, easy, and inexpensive alternative topreformed rigid plastic lids. As a consequence, rigid plastic lidsremain in widespread use.

Some of the main failings of these prior devices are that they arebulky, noisy, unresponsive, and expensive. Prior art heating systemswhich comprise blowing air over a hot element and then onto a filmrequire large amounts of unnecessary heat, even when in standby mode,making temperature control very difficult. Further, the need forcontinuous elevated temperatures, as required by these heating systems,are expensive to maintain and may be undesirable to the immediateenvironment.

An improvement to these prior art systems is found in a device describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,410, incorporated herein by reference, which usesheat shrinkable film lids having annular energy absorbent regions formedthereon, preferably by application of an energy absorbent ink such as byprinting. In this device for shrinking thin film over a container toform a lid, multiple radiant energy sources are utilized. The primaryradiant energy source is located closely adjacent to the lip of the cupand moves peripherally around the lid while a secondary radiant energysource is stationed over the cup. When the primary energy source isactivated, energy falling upon the energy absorbent region in the film,causing the film to shrink preferentially in the area around the lip ofthe cup, while energy from the secondary energy source may serve totauten up the central portion of the lid. Alternatively, multipleprimary radiant energy sources can be located around the periphery ofthe mouth of the cup. The apparatus disclosed in the '410 patent doesnot detail an efficient method of concentrating and redirecting energytoward the region of the film which is to be shrunk. In otherarrangements, multiple energy sources at fixed locations, are provided.

In another arrangement of the above improvement, the radiant energysource includes multiple sources rotating around the circumference ofthe container. In still further arrangements, multiple energy sources atfixed locations, as well as fixed annular radiant energy sources, areprovided.

In each of the above, the methods are not particularly efficient indirecting the radiant energy to areas of the film which are to beshrunk. Accordingly, the above described structures suffer fromdisadvantages. For example, an unnecessary amount of heat may begenerated leading to heat build-up in the lidding system components. Inaddition, this heat build-up can lead to potential heating of thecontents of the cup. Further, a substantial amount of energy is wastedas it is not directed to the area where shrinkage is desired, leading toa slower sealing process and/or higher energy requirements.

The present invention provides a lidding device having a plurality ofreflective cups which direct the radiant energy to the area(s) whereshrinkage is desired. Thus, the time required to shrink a lid on acontainer may be reduced because the energy is more efficientlydelivered to the shrinkage area. In addition, the reduced time mayresult in a reduction in the amount of heat generated.

This invention also pertains to an apparatus for positioning containersin an opening. In one embodiment, this invention pertains to anapparatus for positioning containers in a lidding system. In anotherembodiment, this invention pertains to an apparatus for positioningmultiple sizes of containers in a lidding system.

In lidding systems, the container should be placed in the vicinity ofthe radiant energy sources to achieve proper sealing of the film to thelid. In addition, when the film contains graphics that may, for example,be centered on the top of the film, the container should be positionedunder the film such that the graphics appear on the lid as intended. Theopening of the lidding system that receives the containers should belarge enough to accommodate the container having the largest brimdiameter being sealed. In particular, typically container sizes rangefrom 16 oz. to 32 oz. The brim diameter of the 32 oz. container isgenerally larger than that of the 16 oz. container. For example, theouter brim diameter of a 32 oz. cup may be approximately 4.2 inches,while the outer brim diameter of a 16 oz. cup may be approximately 3.5inches. In that situation, when attempting to seal a 16 oz. container,the container may be placed off center of the opening, such that thefilm graphics are not appropriately positioned on the container.Moreover, if the container is sealed when it is off center of theopening, the sealing strength of the film around the perimeter of thecontainer may not be uniform. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that other container sizes can be used with the presentinvention, e.g., 12 oz. to 48 oz.

The present invention provides a container positioning device that iscapable of positively positioning containers, such as drink cups, havingdifferent diameters at the open end of the container, while reducingspillage of the contents of the container during the positioningoperation. In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, apivotally mounted container positioning means is provided at the openingof the lidding system. The container positioning means may be springmounted such that when a small container is placed into the opening, thecontainer positioning means remains in its initial position, effectivelyreducing the diameter of the lidding system opening. When a largerdiameter container is placed in the opening for sealing, the brim of thecontainer may contact an upper portion of the container positioningmeans thereby forcing the spring loaded container guide away from thebrim of the container.

This invention also pertains to an apparatus and method for braking andcontrolling tension in a web. More particularly, this invention pertainsto an apparatus and method for maintaining a substantially uniformtension in a web as the web is transferred from a supply roll to atake-up reel.

In a converting operation, a web, such as film, paper, or foil, istransferred from a supply roll to a take-up reel. Generally, between thesupply roll and the take-up reel is a converting station. To enhanceperformance in the converting station, it is generally desired tomaintain a substantially uniform tension across the web. The failure tomaintain a substantially uniform tension can lead to product withdiminished quality, unusable product, or operational problems within theconverting station.

The aforementioned problems are particularly evident in the area ofconverting thin films, such as polyolefin shrink film, other printedpolyolefin films, packaging over wrap film, moisture or oxygen barrierfilms, or ovenable films, such as Mylar. Thin films are commonly used inthe process of wrapping or sealing a variety of objects. When thin filmsare used in an automated system, control of the film is desired tomaintain the uniformity of the wrapping or sealing process. Inparticular, when the thin film is fed from a supply roll to a take-upreel, or to a processing station, the tension on the film being fed fromthe supply roll has a tendency to change, potentially leading tonon-uniformity in the sealing or wrapping process. One industry in whichthese problems have been observed is the fast food drink industry.

When lidding a container with a thin film, the thin heat shrink filmmust be supplied to the container to be lidded. The thin film istypically from about 60 to about 80 gauge. Generally, the thin filmsupply roll is housed within the lidding system and is unrolled todeliver a sheet of thin film to the container to be lidded. Before heatshrinking the film onto the open-topped container, the film is cut. Foruniform sealing performance, it is desired that the tension in the filmremain relatively constant. In prior designs, the supply roll is mountedon a center slip clutch, or other braking mechanism, positioned withinan inner diameter of the film supply roll. The take-up reel, which isdriven by a motor, such as a web feed belt motor, is used to advance thefilm across the container to be lidded.

Because the torque on the supply roll provided by the slip clutch orother braking device is constant, the film tension changes as the filmis unrolled due to the change in roll diameter. In particular, becausethe moment arm on the supply roll decreases as the diameter of thesupply roll decreases, the tension on the film increases. Uneven tensioncan adversely affect the sealing or wrapping process. In addition, whenthe film is advanced, the supply roll develops inertia due to the forceapplied to unroll the film. The resulting inertia causes overspin afterthe web feed belt motor stops, leaving the film loose in the areabetween the lidding section and the supply roll, further causing uneventension in the roll.

The present invention provides a web brake and tension controlapparatus. The web brake and tension control apparatus may include amechanical arm having a first end, which is capable of being rotatablymounted to a frame of a lidding system, and a second end, which may bebent downward at an angular orientation to the first end. The second endmay have a cross bar which contacts the web across its entire width. Aforce applying means may be attached to the mechanical arm at a pointinterposed between the first end and the second end. In use with thelidding system, the force applying means may be in tangential contactwith the supply roll. The force applying means may provide tensionbetween a contact surface of the web brake and tension controller andthe film supply roll, thereby reducing overspin as the web is advancedand maintaining a substantially constant tension in the web. The outerend of the arm provides a substantially uniform tension on the web as itis advanced to the lidding section.

This invention also pertains to an apparatus for cutting a web. Inparticular, this invention pertains to an apparatus having improvedsafety for cuffing a thin film prior to heat shrinking the film onto anopen-topped container, such as a cup.

In a lidding system, the heat shrink film generally should be cut priorto heat shrinking the film onto the open-topped container. Prior tocutting, the film is advanced to the heat sealing area from a roll.Often, the film is generally rectangular in shape. Because it issometimes desired that the cut-out of the film be substantially circularin shape to correspond to the top of the container, it is necessary tocut this shape out of the rectangular-shaped film. The film used forheat shrinking is typically very thin, for example, 75 gauge, makingcutting difficult. In current known methods, a cutting system includesone or more film cutting members, such as knives or blades, which areattached to a heating element. During operation of the heat sealer, theoperator's hand moves within the vicinity of the cutting system and cancome in contact with the cutting members. In addition, when the cuttingsystem requires service, the cutting members are often exposed, therebycreating a dangerous environment for the operator. It is desired toprovide a safe cutting system that will reduce the risk of injury due toexposed cutting members both during the operation of the lidding system,as well as during maintenance of the equipment.

The present invention provides a cutting apparatus that limits exposureof the cutting members when the cutting apparatus is at rest. Inparticular, in one embodiment, when the cutting system is in a restposition, each cutting member may lie between, and be protected by, awheel assembly. During the cutting operation, however, the cuttingmembers are allowed to travel downward and contact the film. Inaddition, for safety during servicing, the wheel assembly may be mountedon a vertical shaft having a notched portion. During removal of therotational assembly for servicing, clips can be placed on the notchedportion, thereby preventing the cutting members from becoming exposed.

This invention also provides a modular rotational assembly. According toone embodiment, this invention pertains to a modular rotational assemblyfor use with a film cutting and sealing system that allows for quickremoval and interchangeability of components.

Replacement of components of a machine can often be time consuming andcan often lead to an unacceptable unavailability of the machine. This isparticularly true when the components that must be replaced are integralwith the machine and the replacement of the component renders themachine unavailable during the entire replacement time.

While this problem is not uncommon, one area where machineunavailability is particularly unacceptable is the fast food drinkindustry. One of the cornerstones of the fast food industry is theability to deliver the product in a quick and efficient manner. When amachine is unavailable, the ability to meet the customers' demands isadversely affected.

In systems with moving components, it is necessary to performmaintenance on the components. In particular, after a period ofoperating time, for example in a lidding system, a radiant energy sourcemay become inoperative, thus diminishing or destroying the effectivenessof the sealing process and necessitating replacement of the radiantenergy source. Also, over time, a cutting member may become dulled ormay break, such that it must be replaced. In the current systems,changing a cutting member and/or radiant energy source is timeconsuming, as the components must be changed directly within the liddingsystem. As such, when a cutting member and/or radiant energy source isbeing replaced, the lidding system can not be used. In addition,changing a cutting member and/or radiant energy source within theconfined space of the lidding system is difficult.

The present invention provides a modular rotational assembly that mayhouse at least one radiant energy source and/or at least one cuttingmember. The modular rotational assembly can be easily removed and thenreplaced by a spare modular rotational assembly with operable cuttingmember(s) and/or radiant energy source(s). Accordingly, the down time ofthe lidding system associated with replacement of the parts may belimited to the amount of time required to remove the modular rotationalassembly and replace it with the spare assembly. After the modularrotational assembly is removed, the removed assembly can be sent to arepair facility for replacement of the cutting member(s) and/or radiantenergy source(s).

Advantages of the invention may be set forth in part in the descriptionwhich follows and in part may be apparent from the description or may belearned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the inventionmay be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities andcombinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

As embodied and broadly described herein, in one embodiment theinvention includes a lidding system having a reflective cup system forheat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped container. The reflective cupsystem may comprise at least one reflective cup assembly where thereflective cup assembly includes a radiant energy source and areflective cup, the reflective cup may have at least an ellipticalportion and a parabolic portion. The radiant energy source may belocated about the periphery of the container, where the reflective cupserves to concentrate the energy from the radiant energy source andredirect energy radially inwardly onto the area of the film which is tobe shrunk. The reflective cup system may include at least two reflectivecup assemblies. In one embodiment, a protective optical element islocated at or near the opening of the reflective cup.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lidding system mayinclude a straw-hole lamp system for marking a straw-hole on the film.The straw-hole lamp system may include a reflector cup and a radiantenergy source, and the reflector cup may have a reflective surface thatis ellipsoidal.

In another embodiment, as embodied and broadly described herein, theinvention includes a container positioning device including an lowerplate having an opening and a container positioning means, wherein thecontainer positioning means is capable of positively positioning acontainer in the lower plate opening. The container positioning deviceis capable of positioning a first container and at least a secondcontainer in the lower plate opening, wherein the first and secondcontainers have different brim diameters.

In one embodiment, the container positioning means may include at leasttwo posts extending substantially perpendicularly to the lower plate,wherein the at least two posts may be pivotally mounted about anextension bar. The container positioning means may further include atleast one auxiliary guide. In another embodiment, the containerpositioning means device may include a biasing means, wherein thebiasing means is capable of holding the at least two posts substantiallyperpendicularly to the lower plate.

In yet another embodiment, the container positioning device includes acontainer positioning means having a positioning saddle which may begenerally disposed perpendicularly to the lower plate. The positioningsaddle may be oriented such that it has an elongated vertical axisbowing toward, from the diametrical center of the lower plate opening,and a generally horizontal axis bowing away from the diametrical centerof the lower plate opening, the word “axis,” in the absence of a betterword, being used to describe a curve running roughly down the center ofa curved surface of the saddle. Throughout this specification and theclaims, when we describe a curve on a surface as being “bowed” toward areference, we mean that the medial portion of that curve is closer tothe reference than the terminal portions. Moreover, the positioningsaddle may be pivotally mounted on a bracket. Further, the containerpositioning device may include a biasing means, wherein the biasingmeans is capable of holding the positioning saddle substantiallyperpendicular to the lower plate.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the containerpositioning device may include a container positioning means having atleast two first posts and at least two generally vertical pivotablesecond posts, wherein the first posts may be capable of positivelypositioning containers having at least a first brim diameter and thesecond posts may be capable of positioning containers having at least asecond brim diameter. The first posts may be angularly attached to thelower plate at a first end and inclined inwardly toward the axis of theopening in the lower plate. Moreover, a second end of each of the firstposts may be connected to a hinge means while a second, or lower, end ofeach of the second posts may be connected to the hinge means. Thisembodiment may include a biasing means wherein the biasing means iscapable of extending the second posts angularly and inwardly away fromthe first posts.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the containerpositioning device may include an auxiliary container positioning meanshaving an inner ring and a generally concentric outer ring mounted abovethe lower plate. The inner ring and/or outer ring may have an elongatedbody. Moreover, the inner ring may be in axially slideable communicationwith the outer ring. Further, the inner ring may be generally retainedwithin the outer ring.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the containerpositioning device includes a container positioning means having twopivotally mountable arms, each arm having a first end and a distal end,and each arm having a rear guide extending downwardly from the distalend of the arm. In one embodiment, the rear guides may be posts or asaddle. The container positioning means may also include a side guardextending downwardly from each arm, where, in one embodiment, the sideguards may be posts or auxiliary guides. The container positioning meansmay further include arms having curvilinear end portions. The arms ofthe container positioning means may be in communication via a linkingmeans, including any art recognized linking means, such as a flexibleplate or a flexible spring means section, or the linking means mayslideably connect the arms. The container positioning means may furtherinclude a biasing means that causes the distal ends of the arms to tendtoward one another.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus forheat-shrinking a film onto a container is provided, including a liddingsystem. The lidding system may include at least one radiant energysource, a supply roll, a take-up reel, and a container positioningdevice, the container positioning device may include a containerpositioning means, wherein the container positioning means may becapable of positively positioning a container in an lower plate opening.The container positioning means may be capable of positioning a firstcontainer and at least a second container in the lower plate opening,wherein the first and second containers have different brim diameters.

In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system forheat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped container may be providedcomprising at least one reflective cup having a reflective interiorsurface, at least one radiant energy source, the reflective cup andradiant energy source may be rotationally mounted, wherein the interiorsurface of the reflective cup may have at least an elliptical portionand a parabolic portion, and a container positioning device, thecontainer positioning device may include a container positioning means,wherein the container positioning means is capable of positivelypositioning a container in an lower plate opening.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method ofheat-shrinking film onto an open-topped container may be providedcomprising the steps of positioning a container in an lower plateopening by providing a container positioning device including an lowerplate having an opening and a container positioning means, contactingthe top of an opening of an open-topped container with a heat-shrinkfilm, placing the covered open-topped container at an opening of a heatshrinking system, wherein the heat shrinking system may include at leastone reflective cup having a reflective interior surface, and wherein theinterior surface of the reflective cup may have at least an ellipticalportion and a parabolic portion, and subjecting the covered container toradiant energy.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as embodied andbroadly described herein, the invention may include a web brake andtension controller including a mechanical arm having a first end and asecond end. A force applying means may be interposed between the firstand second ends of the mechanical arm. The mechanical arm may besubstantially U-shaped, where the top, open portion of the “U” is thefirst end, and the bottom, connected portion of the “U” is the secondend. The U-shaped mechanical arm may be formed by two substantiallyparallel legs extending from the first end and connected by a cross barat the second end. In another embodiment of the invention, a guide baris connected to the cross bar.

In one embodiment, the invention may also includes a method ofcontrolling the tension in a web comprising moving the web from a supplyroll to a take-up reel, interposing a cross bar in the web path betweenthe supply roll and the take-up reel, and applying a downward force onthe supply roll.

In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, as embodiedand broadly described herein, the invention may include a web cutterincluding at least one wheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly mayinclude a wheel housing and at least two wheel members, and a cuttingmember may be disposed between the wheel members, wherein the wheelassembly may have a first position where the cutting member does notextend below the wheel members and a second position where the cuttingmember extends below the wheel members. The web cutter of the presentinvention may also include an upper plate having at least one receivinghole, wherein the wheel assembly may include at least one post that isin slideable communication with the upper plate receiving hole, andwhere the cutting member is in fixed communication with the upper plate.In one embodiment, the web cutter may include at least two wheelassemblies. In another embodiment, the web cutter may include at leastthree wheel assemblies. In yet another embodiment, the web cutter mayinclude at least two cutting members. In still yet another embodiment,the web cutter may include at least three cutting members. The wheelmembers may be rotatably mounted on a axis.

The web cutter of the present invention may also include a top plate, avertical alignment mounting bracket, wherein the vertical alignmentmounting bracket may be in communication with the top plate and incommunication with the upper plate, and a fixed ring, wherein the fixedring may be capable of being in communication with a distal end of thewheel assembly post. The fixed ring may have a fixed ring recess capableof receiving a top plate positioning member. The top plate positioningmember may be in fixed communication with the top plate. Moreover, theweb cutter may include a spring member, wherein the spring member may becapable of maintaining a separating force between the top plate and thefixed ring. The web cutter of the present invention may also include alower plate having a cutting groove capable of receiving the cuttingmember.

The invention may also include a web cutter having a modular rotationalassembly, wherein the modular rotational assembly may include an upperplate having at least one receiving hole, at least one wheel assembly,wherein the wheel assembly may include a wheel housing and at least twowheel members, and a cutting member disposed between the wheel members,wherein the wheel assembly may have a first position wherein the cuttingmember does not extend below the wheel members and a second positionwherein the cutting member extends below the wheel members.

In addition, in one embodiment, the present invention includes a methodof cutting film including providing a thin film above a lower plate,providing at least one wheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly mayinclude a wheel housing and at least two wheel members, and wherein thewheel assembly may be in communication with an upper plate, providing atleast one cutting member disposed between the wheel members, wherein ata first position the cutting member does not extend below the wheelmembers, moving the at least one wheel assembly downwardly intocommunication with the lower plate such that the at least one cuttingmember extends below the wheel members and is in communication with thefilm, and rotating the upper plate such that the cutting member advancesand cuts the film. The method may further include an upper plate havingat least one receiving hole, and wherein the wheel assembly may includeat least one post that is in slideable communication with the upperplate receiving hole, and wherein the cutting member may be in fixedcommunication with the upper plate. Moreover, the method of cutting aweb may include a vertical alignment mounting bracket in communicationwith a top plate that is capable of acting downwardly to move the atleast one wheel assembly into communication with the lower plate. Aglass clamp may be in communication with the vertical alignment bracket.In addition, a solenoid may be in communication with the glass clamp,the solenoid capable of exerting a downward force on the glass clamp tomove the vertical alignment bracket downwardly, thereby moving the atleast one wheel assembly into communication with the lower plate. Therotational movement of the upper plate may be provided by a driver.

Further, the present invention includes a method of cutting filmcomprising providing a thin film above a lower plate, providing amodular rotational assembly, wherein the modular rotational assembly mayinclude an upper plate having at least one receiving hole, at least onewheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly may include a wheel housingand at least two wheel members, and at least one cutting member disposedbetween the wheel members, wherein at a first position the cuttingmember does not extend below the wheel members, moving the modularrotational assembly downwardly into communication with the lower platesuch that the at least one cutting member extends below the wheelmembers and is in communication with the film, and rotating the upperplate such that the cutting member advances and cuts the film.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as embodied and broadlydescribed herein, the invention may include a modular rotationalassembly having an upper plate and at least one radiant energy source.The modular rotational assembly may have at least two radiant energysources. Moreover, the modular rotational assembly may have at leastthree radiant energy sources. The invention may also include at leastone reflective cup, wherein the radiant energy source is located withinthe reflective cup.

In another embodiment, the invention may include a modular rotationalassembly having an upper plate and a web cutter. The web cutter mayinclude at least one cutting member and at least one wheel assembly. Theweb cutter may have at least two or more wheel assemblies. Each wheelassembly may include at least two wheels and a wheel housing.

In yet another embodiment, the invention may include a modularrotational assembly having an upper plate, at least one radiant energysource, and a web cutter. The web cutter may include at least onecutting member and at least one wheel assembly.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutea part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a modular rotational assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of a lidding system according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a reflective cup assembly according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a lidding system including a modular rotationalassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a straw-hole marking system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of alidding system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a film brake and tension controlleraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mechanical arm of a film brake andtension controller according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a cut away view of a lidding system including a web cutteraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modular rotational assembly includinga web cutter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of a modular rotational assemblyincluding a web cutter according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a cut away view of a lidding system including a perforationassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view of a guide portion for use with a lidding systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a modular rotational assembly according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a driver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an assembly of a portion of a lidding systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a container positioning meansaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method of determining the geometry of a containerpositioning means according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a container positioning means according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates another view of the container positioning means ofthe embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 illustrates a straw-hole lamp according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a drink marking means according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 23 is another view of the drink marking means of the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cross section of the drink marking means of theembodiment depicted in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 illustrates a portion of the drink marking means of theembodiment depicted in FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 illustrates an activation plate according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of a film brake and tensioncontroller of the present invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a blade and blade holder according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 29 is another view of a blade and blade holder according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 illustrates a portion of a cutting member assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 illustrates a wheel retraction stopper means according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perforation assembly according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 33 is another view of the perforation assembly depicted in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is yet another view of the perforation assembly depicted in FIG.32.

FIG. 35 illustrates a trapezoidally-shaped guide portion according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 illustrates a container positioning device according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates a side view of the container positioning devicedepicted in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 illustrates another side view of the container positioningdevice depicted in FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 illustrates a container positioning device according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 illustrates a rear view of the container positioning devicedepicted in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 illustrates a container positioning device according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of the container positioning devicedepicted in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 illustrates an auxiliary container positioning device accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 44 illustrates another view of the auxiliary container positioningdevice according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the following description is directed to open-toppedcontainers, such as cups, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the invention is equally applicable to other open-toppedcontainers, including, but not limited to, food cartons andpharmaceutical containers.

In accordance with the invention, as broadly described, the liddingdevice may include a modular rotational assembly. The modular rotationalassembly may include a reflective cup system having at least one energysource and at least one reflective cup, and, optionally, a protectiveglass or plastic optical element. In general, the radiant energy sourcepreferably emits radiant energy as visible and near infrared radiation.A substantial portion of the emitted radiant energy may contact thesurface of the reflective cup and then be directed toward a thinenergy-absorbing film that will shrink when impinged on by visible andnear infrared radiation.

In the present invention, film may be provided covering the top of, andextending downwardly past the brim of, an open-topped container, such asa drinking cup. The radiant energy from the radiant energy source may bedirected to the area just below the periphery of the top of the cup,i.e., just below the brim. Thus, the radiant energy directed to the areajust below the brim causes the film to shrink in the area around thebrim, thereby forming a lid.

The film may be any art recognized film that will shrink in the presenceof radiant energy. In particular, the film may be a plastic wrappingfilm which has the capability of shrinking when it is heated to near themelting point of the film. These films are commonly manufactured fromplastic resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polypropylene (PP);linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE); low density polyethylene(LDPE); high density polyethylene (HDPE); copolymers of ethylene andvinyl acetate (EVA); copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohols (EVOH);ionomers (e.g., SURLYN.™., by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company ofWilmington, Del.)); copolymers of vinylidene chloride (e.g., PVDC,SARAN.™. (“SARAN” is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company of Midland,Mich.)); copolymers of ethylene acrylic acid (EAA); polyamides (PA);polyester, polystyrene, nylon and copolymers of ethylene and octene.

According to one embodiment, the film may be a bi-axially oriented thinshrink film having a thickness of between 40 to 120 gauge (1.02 mm to3.05 mm). In another embodiment, the film may be a bi-axially orientedthin shrink film having a thickness of between 60 to 100 gauge (1.52 mmto 2.54 mm). One film that has been used is a 75 gauge (1.91 mm) ClysarABL polyolefin shrink film sold by Bemis Corporation of Minneapolis,Minn. Another film that has been used is a 75 gauge (1.91 mm) ClysarXLPT-115 polyolefin shrink film, also sold by Bemis Corporation ofMinneapolis, Minn. Yet another appropriate shrink film may be made ofpolyvinyl chloride and is sold under the trade name #2024 Reynolon.™.,by Reynolds Metals Company of Richmond, Va. Appropriate shrink filmwould be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. Any art recognizedfilm would be appropriate, such as 75 gauge (1.91 mm) Intertape Exfilmpolyolefin shrink film. When used to cover food products, the filmshould be food contact-approved by the appropriate regulatoryauthorities. In one embodiment, the film should have a width of betweenapproximately 3-12 inches.

To ensure that the film sufficiently shrinks when contacted by radiantenergy, the film may include a radiant energy absorbing substance. Anyart recognized radiant energy absorbing substance may be used. One ormore radiant energy absorbing substances may be used with a single film.The substance(s) may be applied to the film, such as by printing,brushing, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodepositioncoating, flow coating, roller coating, dip coating, or other means knownto those of ordinary skill in the art, or the substances may beincorporated into the shrink film. In some cases, such films may requirespecial treatment to be made more adaptable to printing of the energyabsorbent material thereon, such as the application of a chargedelectric field, known as corona treating, which is done before printingto ensure adhesion of the absorbent material, and its carrier vehicle,if any. Other methods of promoting adhesion of the absorbent materialinclude flame treatment or chemical primer application. For other films,such as polyvinyl chloride shrink films, corona treating is notnecessary for acceptable printing results.

One such substance that works well in this environment is carbon blackpigment. Other substances that would achieve satisfactory resultsinclude graphite and iron oxide. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, the carbon black pigment may be included as afunctional component in ink that is applied to the surface of the film.The carbon black pigment may be printed on the surface of the film, orincorporated into the film. A carbon pigment-containing black ink soldby Coates Ink, a division of Sun Chemical, under the trade name BraziliaTN15787, can be used in the present invention. This ink is readilyadapted for printing onto the film substrate. The Brazilia inks areavailable in many colors and are broadly usable as absorbing materialsaccording to the invention if the ink meets the requirements specifiedhereinabove.

Materials may be included in or on the film as an indicator. Forexample, as discussed below with regard to drink marking, materials maybe included that when contacted by radiant energy react so as to make amark, i.e., an indicia, on the surface of the film. In particular, theenergy sensitive indicia-former may change from one visual condition toa second visual condition. Change in visual condition would include, butnot be limited to, change in appearance, hue, shade, perceptibility,including an enhancement in perceptibility, brightness, lightness,reflectiveness, absorptivity and color, including, for example, lightgray to dark gray and white to black.

One indicia-former that can be used in the present invention is athermochromic pigment or dye, which may be dispersed in a suitablecarrier. Embodiments of appropriate thermochromic inks are set forth inU.S. patent application entitled “Packaging Material and ProductsComprising Indicia-Former Which Changes From a First Visual Condition toa Second Visual Condition and Indicates a Characteristic of the PackageContents,” filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 5,2003, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thematerials may be used in the form of a thermochromic ink incorporating athermochromic pigment or dye in a carrier vehicle. The thermochromic inkmay be applied to the film substrate by printing, incorporating withinthe substrate, or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in theart. The energy sensitive indicia-former may be an irreversiblethermochromic ink that is white below about 90.degree. C. and undergoesan irreversible color change to black at a temperature above about90.degree. C. One thermochromic ink meeting these requirements is soldby Sherwood Technologies Ltd. of Nottingham, UK, under the trade nameSherwood Type 90.™. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat there a variety of ink systems comprising one or more inks that canfunction as the absorbent material and as the heat sensitiveindicia-former. The described thermochromic ink can be used with the inksystems described herein.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of inkcolors can be used to obtain satisfactory results with the presentinvention and that a variety of inks other than thermochromic ink canalso be used. Other inks that can be used in the invention arephotochromic ink and electrochromic ink such as are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,830,529, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. When using photochromic and electrochromic inks as an indiciaformer, an energy absorbent layer is not required. In addition, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary tocoat the entire film with ink. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that ink patterns can be used in applying theindicia-former to the film substrate.

In one embodiment relating to films used to cover drink containers, anabsorbent material comprising an ink composition containing carbon blackmay be printed onto the film substrate. As this ink composition is blackin appearance due to its carbon black content, white ink may be appliedover the portions of the black ink on which the indicia-former is to belocated to show the contents of the container, in order to provideappropriate contrast for the indicia-former. Then the indicia-former maybe superimposed on the areas of white ink, in one embodiment byprinting.

There are, of course, numerous possible combinations of the absorbentlayer, optional contrast layer and energy sensitive indicia-former thatcan be employed in carrying out the invention.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of inkconcentrations can achieve satisfactory results in the presentinvention. The second ink which acts as an energy sensitiveindicia-former may be, as identified above, an ink that undergoesconversion from one color to another that contrasts with the color ofthe absorbent material upon a predetermined increase in temperature.Alternatively, it may be an ink that undergoes a different sort ofvisually observable conversion, such as a dye or luminescent pigmentthat is covered by a patch that disintegrates upon a specific increasein temperature. The energy sensitive indicia-former should undergo aconversion from a first visual state to a second visual state uponexposure to appropriate energy, and that such changes in visual state orcondition are perceptible to the human eye.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least two ink layersmay be applied to the film to provide an area for which shrinkage isdesired. One layer may be a reflective layer and the second layer may bea radiant energy absorbing layer. The radiant energy absorbing layer maycontain an energy absorbing substance, such as carbon black, whichincreases the shrink rate of the film. The reflective layer, whenincluded, acts as a reflector and reflects some of the radiant energythat passes through the energy absorbing layer back to the energyabsorbing layer, thereby increasing the amount of energy absorbed by theenergy absorbing layer.

Ink systems that have been found to be adequate for use with the currentinvention are described below. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that there are a variety of ink systems, having one or moreink layers, that can be used with the present invention.

According to one embodiment, in a two layer ink system, the film mayinclude a white ink, i.e., reflective layer, and a maroon ink, i.e.,energy absorbing layer. One white ink that may be used with the presentinvention is sold by Coates Ink under the trade names Lunar TN12316 andAlfalam. In one embodiment of an energy absorbing layer, carbon black ismixed into the maroon layer. To enhance shrinkage of the film, carbonblack may be added at a concentration of at least approximately 6% bydry weight of the ink formulation. In addition, at least 0.03 lbs. ofcarbon black may be added to every 3000 sq. ft. of printed area of thefilm. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a varietyof ink concentrations can achieve satisfactory results in the presentinvention. The white layer acts as a reflector so that the radiantenergy that passes through the maroon layer will be reflected backtowards the maroon layer, thereby enhancing impingement of the maroonlayer by the radiant energy. While the invention has been described interms of a white or maroon layer, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that a variety of colors can be used to achieve areflective layer and an energy absorbing layer.

In another two layer ink system, the film is coated with an aluminumparticulate silver ink and then a blue or black ink, where the blue orblack ink may include a substantial amount of a material which is highlyenergy absorbent for the particular energy source being utilized, suchas carbon black. As with the white layer described above, the silverlayer acts as a reflector so that the radiant energy that passes throughthe blue layer will be reflected back towards the blue layer, therebyenhancing impingement of the blue layer by the radiant energy.

A four layer ink system may be appropriate when lighter, moredecorative, colors are desired on the top surface of the film. Inparticular, it is sometimes desired to apply a decorative layer abovethe absorbent layer. In one embodiment of a four layer ink system, thefour layer ink system has a silver reflective layer, an absorbent layer,a white reflective layer, and a decorative layer. The decorative layermay contain multiple colors that are lighter than the maroon and darkblue generally which can be used with two layer systems. The decorativelayer may also contain advertising slogans and indicia useful foridentifying the contents of the lidded container. In one embodiment, thewhite reflective layer may be locally replaced instead by a layercomprising the energy sensitive indicia-former, which may itself beclose to white in its untreated condition. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that a variety of layer color combinations canbe used to achieve the desired results.

Each of the above formulations is acceptable for use with the currentinvention. The four layer ink system provides acceptable film shrink andsuperior appearance. The two color system achieves acceptable filmshrink and appearance at a lower cost.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the desirablenumber of ink layers used can depend on a variety of factors, e.g.,cost. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat it is not necessary to coat the entire film with ink. Inparticular, in those area where shrinkage is not desired, the inkcoating need not be applied and may, in fact, be undesirable. Moreover,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that ink patterns canbe used on any ink layer.

In one embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 1, the liddingsystem may include a modular rotational assembly 22. The modularrotational assembly 22 may include at least one reflective cup assembly10 and an upper plate 24. The reflective cup assembly 10 may include aradiant energy source 12 and a reflective cup 14. The radiant energysource 12 may be located within the reflective cup 14. As shown in FIG.1, the radiant energy source 12 may be retained in the reflective cupassembly 10 by a retaining clip 174. The retaining clip 174 resistsdisplacement of the radiant energy source 12 during transport. Theretaining clip 174 may be spring loaded. The modular rotational assembly22 may have at least two reflective cup assemblies 10. In oneembodiment, depicted in FIG. 1, the modular rotational assembly 22 hasthree reflective cup assemblies 10. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that more than three reflective cup assemblies 10 may beused in the present invention.

The reflective cup assembly 10 may be in communication with the upperplate 24. In particular, each reflective cup 14 may be connected to theupper plate 24. The reflective cup 14 can be connected to the upperplate 24 via bolts, screws, or other connection means (not shown) knownto those of ordinary skill in the art.

The lidding system may further include a modular rotational assemblydriver 48, as shown in FIG. 2. The assembly driver 48 is capable ofproviding rotational movement to the modular rotational assembly 22,including the reflective cup assembly 10 (see FIG. 1). The assemblydriver 48 can be a gear, or other known means for providing rotationalmovement. The driver 48 may be connected via bearings 49 to a verticalmounting bracket 136 (see FIG. 2). The assembly driver 48 is capable ofbeing driven by a motor driven drive system (not shown) that transfersenergy for movement of the driver 48. When the assembly driver 48 ismoved, the modular rotational assembly 22 is rotated at least around aportion of the circumference of a brim 18 of a beverage container 16.

The modularity of the rotational assembly 22 allows for the removal ofthe modular rotational assembly 22 for servicing and maintenance. Inparticular, in one embodiment the upper plate 24 is connected to thedriver 48 by bolts (not shown), or other fastening means. To remove therotational assembly 22, the upper plate 24 may be disconnected from thedriver 48 by removal of the bolts, or other fastening means.

In another embodiment, the modular rotational assembly 22 is capable ofbeing attached to and detached from the driver 48 via a slide lockingmeans 176. In particular, as depicted in FIG. 14, the upper plate 24 mayinclude at least one locking post 178, the locking post 178 may have alower body portion 180 and an upper body portion 182, and, further,extend above the upper plate 24. The locking post 178 may have asubstantially cylindrically shaped body. The lower body portion 180 maybe smaller in diameter than the upper portion 182 of the locking post178. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, the upper plate 24 has threelocking posts 178. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat more than three locking posts 178 can be included in the modularrotational assembly 22. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, thelocking posts 178 are integral with the cutting member assembly 100(discussed in detail below) and extend through the upper plate 24. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the locking posts 178can be separate from the cutting member assembly 100 and, instead, beattached to and extend upwardly from the surface of the upper plate 24.

When the slide locking means 176 is provided to allow the modularrotational assembly 22 to be attached to and removed from the driver 48,the driver 48 should have a detent 184 capable of receiving the lockingpost 178. FIG. 15 depicts a driver 48 having a detent 184 for receivinga locking post 178. As shown, the detent 184 has a larger receivingsection 186 capable of receiving the upper portion 182 of the lockingpost 178 and a smaller receiving section 188 capable of receiving thelower body portion 180. The opening in the smaller receiving section 188of the detent 184 is smaller than the upper portion 182 of the lockingpost 178, such that when the locking post 178 is located in the smallerreceiving section 188 of the detent 184, the upper portion 182 issubstantially prevented from being pulled through the driver 48. Thedriver 48 should have at least one detent 184 for each locking post 178on the modular rotational assembly 22. Moreover, when a slide lockingmeans 176 is included in the system, the vertical mounting means 136should have cutouts 190 (see FIG. 16) to allow for the movement of thelocking posts 178 during the locking operation (discussed below).

To attach the modular rotational assembly 22 to the driver 48, theassembly 22 is moved upwardly such that the locking posts 178 extendthrough the larger receiving section 186 of the detents 184 in thedriver 48. The entire modular rotational assembly 22 is then turnedslightly such that the locking posts 178 are moved into the smallerreceiving section 188 of the detents 184, thereby locking the modularrotational assembly 22 into place.

A release lever 192 may be provided to assist in holding the modularrotational assembly 22 in this locked state. In particular, as shown inFIG. 14, the release lever 192 may be in communication with the upperplate 24, with one end of the release lever 192 extending upwardly suchthat it is communication with the driver 48. The driver 48 may have areceiving orifice 193 (see FIG. 15) that is capable of being incommunication with the release lever 192. Once the modular rotationalassembly 22 is locked into place, rotation of the assembly 22 issubstantially prevented until the release lever 192 is moved such thatit is not in communication with the driver 48. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 14, the release lever 192 is pivotable, such that bypressing on a lower portion 196 of the release lever 192, the upperportion 194 is removed from contact with the driver 48 and the modularrotational assembly 22 can be rotated and removed from engagement withthe driver 48. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatthere are other means for preventing the unwanted disengagement of themodular rotational assembly from the driver, such as, for example, byproviding a spring means or other known holding means.

Each radiant energy source 12 is capable of producing radiant energy forshrinking a film 20 by emitting radiant energy having wavelengths in thevisible and near infrared range. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the wavelength of the energy emitted by the radiantenergy source is not particularly critical so long as the ink chosen issufficiently absorbent over a range of the wavelengths emitted such thatfilm shrinkage is reasonably rapid. Of course, care must be taken toinsure that the surfaces serving as reflectors are actually reflectivefor radiation in the chosen wavelengths if radiation outside the visiblerange is emitted.

One radiant energy source 12 that may be used in the present inventionis a conventional tungsten halogen lamp emitting light energy havingwavelengths at least between approximately 600-1400 nm. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that a number of differentradiant energy sources are available which produce sufficient visibleand near infrared radiation, such as xenon arc lamps. The energy sourcemay have a total wattage of between 150-1000 watts for compatibilitywith standard electrical wiring/circuiting. One radiant energy sourcethat has been successfully used is a Ushio 120V300 W FNB. As depicted inFIG. 2, the radiant energy source 12 is axially oriented, however, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that other radiant energysource orientations can be effective.

In operation, each reflective cup 14 reflects radiant energy emittedfrom its corresponding radiant energy source 12 and directs it to thearea where film shrinkage is desired, i.e., a target area on the film20. As depicted in FIG. 3, in one embodiment the cross-section of thereflective cup 14 has multiple geometries. In particular, in thisembodiment, the lower portion 26 of the reflective cup 14, i.e., thearea below a point just above the centerline of the radiant energysource 12, is elliptical. The elliptical lower portion 26 reflects asubstantial portion of the incident light in an upward direction to thearea just below the brim 18 of the beverage container 16, therebycausing the incident light to strike the film 20 at the area just belowthe brim 18 of the beverage container 16. The upper middle portion 28 ofthe reflective cup 14 of this embodiment, i.e., the area just above thecenterline of the radiant energy source 12, is parabolic, with the focalpoint of the parabola coincident with the center of the radiant energysource 12. The upper middle portion 28 reflects the incident light in asubstantially parallel and horizontal pattern, thereby causing theincident light to substantially strike the film 20 at the area justbelow the brim 18 of the beverage container 16. The upper portion 30 ofthe reflective cup 14 in this embodiment, located above the middleportion 28, is a substantially linear surface that reflects the incidentlight in a downward direction, therefore causing a substantial portionof the incident light to contact the entire upward area of the beveragecontainer 16. The downward reflection of the incident light deflectslight that would otherwise contribute to heat build-up in the componentsin the reflective cup assembly 10. The front face of the reflective cup14, i.e., the portion facing the beverage container 16, is open, or canbe covered with a protective optical element as described below.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the reflective cup 14 has coolingfins 32. When the reflective cup 14 rotates, the fins 32 provide airflowover the heat generating components, thereby reducing heat build-up inthe system.

The inner surface of the reflective cup 14 may have a smooth,mirror-like surface to aid in reflecting the radiant energy. Forexample, the inner surface may have a metallized silver-coated orgold-coated mirrored surface to reduce reflection losses. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that there are a variety ofsurfaces and coatings that can be used to reflect radiant energy. Inaddition, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatsimilar results can be achieved using different numbers of surfaces andshapes. Further, an overcoat may be used to prevent oxidation of themetallized layer.

In operation, the beverage container 16, such as a cup, is filled with aliquid beverage, such as water, carbonated or non-carbonated soda, orcoffee. During the lidding operation, described below, liquid couldpotentially splash onto parts of the reflective cup assembly 10, such asthe radiant energy sources 12 or the reflective cups 14, causing damageor reducing efficiency. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, aprotective optical element 34 is interposed between the beveragecontainer 16, and the radiant energy sources 12 and the reflective cups14. The protective optical element 34 should be constructed of materialsthat minimize loss of radiant energy, thereby allowing sufficientradiant energy to pass through and contact the film. In one embodiment,the protective optical element 34 may be constructed of plastic. Inanother embodiment, the protective optical element 34 may be constructedof glass. In addition, an optical coating may be used to minimize energyloss and/or heat build-up in the protective optical element 34. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of materialscan be used to construct the protective optical element 34. Theprotective optical element 34 can be a separate element, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or it can be integral with the reflective cup 14.

The above described reflective cup assembly 10 can be used with thelidding system 40, now described. As depicted in FIG. 4, the liddingsystem 40 generally includes a supply roll 42, a take-up reel 44, and afilm 20. In operation, the film 20 is transferred from the supply roll42 to the take-up reel 44. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4 and 9,the film 20 is transferred from the supply roll 42 to the take-up reel44 by drive belts 150. In particular, in one embodiment, two drive belts150 are included such that the drive belts 150 contact the outer edgesof the film 20 as the film 20 is fed through the lidding system 40.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more than twodrive belts can be used. The drive belts 150 are oriented in the filmfeed, i.e., machine, direction, and may be further mounted on drive beltrollers 152, where the drive belt rollers 152 provide rotationalmovement for the drive belts 150. In particular, the drive belt rollers152 are in communication with the motor driven drive system (discussedabove and not shown) that transfers energy for movement of the drivebelt rollers 152. In operation, the film 20 is interposed between, andin contact with, the drive belts 150 and a lower plate 88. As the drivebelt rollers 152 rotate the drive belts 150, the frictional forcesbetween the film 20 and the drive belts 150 cause the film 20 to betransferred from the supply roll 42 to the take-up reel 44. In oneembodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the lower plate 88 can have a slide plate170 to allow for easier movement of the film 20 over the lower plate 88.The slide plate 170 can be fabricated of aluminum having a non-stickcoating, or other material with a reduced coefficient of friction. Inone embodiment, the take-up reel 44 is operated in overdrive andincludes a slip clutch (not shown) to assist in maintaining propertension in the film 20.

Referring to FIG. 4, the modular rotational assembly 22 is locatedbetween the supply roll 42 and the take-up reel 44. Referring to FIGS.2, 4, and 9, the lidding system 40 may further include a top plate 82, afixed ring 84, and the lower plate 88. The modular rotational assembly22 may be interposed between the fixed ring 84 and the lower plate 88.The top plate 82 may be in communication with the fixed ring 84. Inparticular, the top plate 82 may have top plate positioning members 86that are in communication with fixed ring recesses 58 in the fixed ring84.

The lower plate 88 may be positioned beneath the modular rotationalassembly 22. The lower plate 88 may have an opening 90 for receiving anopen-topped container 16. The opening 90 may be substantially circular.Moreover, the opening 90 may have a diameter slightly larger than theoutside brim 18 diameter of the largest beverage container 16 to belidded with the device. In one embodiment, the lower plate 88 has anopening 90 of from about 3.25″ to about 4.50″. In another embodiment,the lower plate 88 has an opening 90 of about 4.25″. The lower plate 88can have an opening of greater than 4.50″.

The lidding system 40 may further include a glass clamp 116 and anactivation plate 118. The glass clamp 116 may be connected to a verticalalignment mounting bracket 136 via a mechanical holding means 120, suchas a nut. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thereare a variety of other means for connecting the glass clamp 116 to themounting bracket 136, such as clamps, clips, pins, screws, and the like.

The lidding system 40 may also include a post 130, having an activationsource 132, such as a magnet, located at an end opposite the activationplate 118, and a reed switch 134. The post 130 and activation source 132may be located within the diameter of the glass clamp 116. The reedswitch 134 may be attached to, and located on the exterior of, the glassclamp 116. In one embodiment, the lidding system 40 has a containerpositioning member 172 (see FIG. 4) that assists the operator withplacement of the cup for lidding.

The lidding system of the present invention may further include acontainer positioning device, which may include the lower plate 88 and acontainer positioning means 198. The container positioning means 198 maybe located proximate the opening 90 in the lower plate 88. The containerpositioning means may positively position the container 16 in theopening 90 of the lower plate 88.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 17, thecontainer positioning means 198 includes two pivotally mounted arms 200,the arms 200 each having a first leg 202 and a second leg 204. The firstleg 202 of each arm 200 has a first end 206, and may be joined to thesecond leg 204 at a pivot point 208. The second leg 204 of each arm 200has a distal end 210. Each of the arms 200 may be mounted to the lowerplate at the pivot point 208. The arms 200 may be mounted by a pin,screw, bolt, or other mounting means known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. The mounting means should allow each arm 200 to freely pivotabout an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the lowerplate 88. An end portion 212 of the second leg 204 may have a curvaturethat approximates the curvature of the brim of the smallest container 16to be centered. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17, the curvilinearend portion 212 has a first end 232 and a second end, the second endbeing juxtaposable with the distal end 210 of the second leg 204. Eacharm 200 may have a downwardly projecting side guide 214 and a downwardlyprojecting rear guide 216 to assist in positioning a container. The sideguide 214 may be outwardly and downwardly flaring from the arm 200 atthe first end 232 of the curvilinear end portion 212. The rear guide 216may be outwardly and downwardly flaring from the second end 210 of thecurvilinear end portion 212. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17, theside and rear guides are posts. The distal ends of the side guide 214and the rear guide 216 may be connected by an alignment bar 224.

The arms 200 of the container positioning means may have a biasing means226 that urges the distal ends 210 of the arms 200 towards one another.As shown in FIG. 17, the biasing means may be a coil spring. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the spring means can be aflat spring, flexible plate, or any other means capable of providing abiasing force capable of causing the distal ends of the arms to tendtowards one another. In addition, the two arms 200 of the containerpositioning means 198 may be connected via a linking means 218 at thefirst ends 206 of the first legs 202. In particular, in the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 17, a pin 220 on one arm 200 reciprocates within arecess 222 formed in the second arm 200. Those of ordinary skill in theart will understand that other linking means, such as an elasticallydeformable plate, can be used to connect the arms. Moreover, those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the first legs 202 of thetwo arms 200 can be a single deformable part joined by a spring meanssection.

The geometry of the container positioning means 198 of this embodimentcan be determined using the following steps. Referring to FIG. 18, acircle can be drawn representing the smallest sized container to becentered. A horizontal diameter can then be drawn, where theintersections between the line and the circle identify the location ofthe side guide. Next, a radius can be drawn at a right angle from thediameter line to the top of the circle, identifying the location wherethe rear guides meet. A line is then drawn connecting the rear guide tothe side guide. Finally, draw a line parallel to that drawn in theprevious step, the line drawn one radius distance toward the center ofthe circle. The pivot point for the arm can be selected at anyconvenient point on this line that lies outside the circle. The opposingarm is a mirror image.

The operation of the above embodiment will now be discussed. When anopen-topped container 16 having a smaller brim 18 diameter is insertedinto the lower plate opening 90, e.g., a 16 oz. or 22 oz. container 16,the brim 18 may contact the side and rear guides 214, 216 of thecontainer positioning means 198 as it is positioned in the opening 90.While the container 16 may contact the side and rear guide 214, 216 forpurposes of centering the container 16, pressure necessary to move theguide surfaces need not be exerted on the guides.

When a large diameter container 16, e.g., a 32 oz. container, isinserted into the opening 90, the brim 18 diameter is larger than theeffective opening 90 of the lower plate 88. As such, as the largerdiameter container 16 is inserted into the opening 90, the brim of thecontainer 16 exerts pressure on the side and/or rear guides 214, 216,thereby forcing the arms 200 to pivot about their respective pivotpoints 208 and increasing the effective opening 90 diameter such thatthe container can be fully inserted. During insertion, the arms shouldrotate outwardly an equal distance, thereby keeping the container 16centered in a side-to-side direction. Moreover, the rear guides 216,which are attached to the arms 200, should move a roughly equivalentdistance and, therefore, center the container 16 in a front-to-backdirection. When the container 16 is removed, the biasing means 226return the arms 200, and hence the side and rear guides 214, 216 totheir starting position. Moreover, the structure of the containerpositioning means 198, i.e., the side and rear guides 214, 216 extendingdownwardly a significant distance, and possibly downwardly flaring,allows a container to easily be inserted into the container positioningmeans 198 from both a front direction and a lower direction, i.e., bothhorizontally and vertically.

FIGS. 19-20 depict another embodiment which in some aspects may be avariation of the above described embodiment. In particular, as shown inFIG. 19, the arms 200 of the container positioning means 198 areconstructed of a single piece with the linking means 218 being aflexible spring means section that is integral with the arms 200. In oneembodiment, the linking means 226 may also be a separate wire formpiece. In addition, the side guides may be curved auxiliary guides 230and the rear guides may be saddles 228, the saddles 228 being associatedwith each distal end 210 of the arms 200. As with the previousembodiment, the auxiliary guides 230 may extend downwardly from the arm200 at the first end 234 of the curvilinear end portion 212, and eachsaddle 228 may extend downwardly from the second end 210 of thecurvilinear portion 212. The saddles 228 may be oriented generallyperpendicularly to the lower plate 88. Also depicted in FIGS. 19-20 is aprotective guard 42 for assisting in keeping liquids away from moisturesensitive equipment.

The operation of the container positioning means 198 as depicted inFIGS. 19-20 is similar to that as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17.FIG. 19 depicts the container positioning means 198 at rest, while FIG.20 depicts the container positioning means 198 in an open position as ifa larger diameter container 16 had been inserted. In particular, asshown in FIG. 20, when a larger diameter container 16 has been inserted,the auxiliary guides 230 may be forced outwardly towards the edges ofthe opening 90 of the lower plate 88 by the force exerted by the brim 18of the container 16. The auxiliary guides 230 substantially maintainside-to-side centering of the container 16. As the arms 200 are forcedoutwardly, the distal ends 210 of the arms 200 likewise move outwardly,thereby moving the saddles 228 both outwardly and away from each other,as well as backward. As such, the saddles 228 substantially maintain thefront-to-back centering of the container 16. Moreover, the describedstructure allows containers to be inserted into the containerpositioning means from both a forward direction and a lower direction.In particular, the curved auxiliary guides 230 may flare outwardly,thereby reducing the opportunity for interference with the containerduring insertion of the container.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the container positioningmeans 198 provides at least four positive potential contact points,i.e., the side and rear guide surfaces 214, 216, and the auxiliaryguides 230 and saddles 228, respectively, capable of positivelypositioning a container 16. By “positively positioning” we mean that thecontact points are capable of positioning a container in apre-determined location within the lidding system. The contact pointsare capable of positioning the container without the necessity of theoperator manually moving the contact points, other than by the force ofthe container itself. In particular, the four positive potential contactpoints contact the container 16, thereby limiting both side-to-side andfront-to-back movement of the container 16 as it is centered and movedthrough the lower plate 88. Moreover, the above-described containerpositioning means 198 do not unduly inhibit placement of the container16 as it is moved by the operator into position for centering until thecontainer 16 is centered under the lower plate opening 90.

The container positioning means 198 can be used to center the container16 within the opening 90 in the lidding system. However, those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the container positioningmeans 198 can be used to position the container in any desired location,whether in the center of the opening, or forward or backward, or left orright, of the opening 90. The desired position of the container 16 inthe opening 90 will depend on various factors, including, but notlimited to, any pattern that may be imprinted on the film.

Other embodiments of container positioning means that may be used in thepresent invention are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/236,724, filed Sep. 5, 2002, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 36, the container positioningmeans 198 may include two pivotally mounted posts 332. The posts 332 maybe pivotally mounted about a generally horizontal U-shaped hinge bracket326 defined at near the lower end of a downwardly projecting extensionbar 328. The container positioning device may further include at leastone auxiliary guide 330 disposed near the operator side of an opening 90of the lower plate 88 (see FIGS. 37 and 38). Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that, while the auxiliary guide 330 is depictedin the figures as a protrusion from the lower plate 88, the auxiliaryguide 330 can be any means for guiding a container into the lower plate88, such as a chamfered edge on the lower plate 88. The containerpositioning means 198 may be opposite or away from the operator. Inparticular, the container positioning means 198 should not blockoperator access to the opening 90. The auxiliary guide 330 may beopposed to the container positioning means 198. As shown in FIGS. 37 and38, an extension bar 328 may extend downwardly from the lower plate 88.The container positioning means 198 may be attached to the extension bar328 via the substantially U-shaped hinge bracket 326. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that attachment means other than asubstantially U-shaped hinge bracket 326 can be used to attach thecontainer positioning means 198 to the extension bar 328 so long asinterference with the container is avoided. As depicted in FIG. 36, thetwo posts 332 may extend substantially perpendicularly to the lowerplate 88. The two posts 332 may be disposed away from the operator sideof the opening 90. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat the container positioning means can have more than two posts.

As shown in FIGS. 36-38, the lower plate 88 may have an opening 90 forreceiving an open-topped container 16. The opening 90 may besubstantially circular. Moreover, the opening 90 has a diameter largerthan the outside brim 18 diameter of the largest open-topped container16 to be lidded with the device. The upper end of the containerpositioning means 198 may extend such that it is within the plane of theopening 90. As such, the opening 90 should be large enough toaccommodate the brim 18 diameter of the largest open-topped container16, as well as the upper portion of the container positioning means 198.In one embodiment, the opening 90 may be large enough such that when asmaller diameter container 16, e.g., 16 oz. or 22 oz., is inserted intothe opening 90, the brim 18 of the container 16 need not exert pressuresufficient to pivot the container positioning means 198 (see FIG. 37).However, the opening 90 may be sized such that when a larger diametercontainer 16 is inserted into the opening 90, the brim 18 of thecontainer 16 will contact the upper end of the container positioningmeans 198, pivoting it away from the brim 18, thereby increasing theeffective diameter of the opening 90 (see FIG. 38).

As shown in FIG. 37, a biasing means 334 may be included. The biasingmeans 334 is capable of holding the container positioning means 198substantially perpendicularly to the lower plate 88 when externalpressure is not applied to the container positioning means 198. Whenincluded, the biasing means 334 may be located at the pivot point of thecontainer positioning means 198. At least one auxiliary guide 330 mayextend downwardly from the lower plate 88. The auxiliary guide 330 maybe located opposed to the container positioning means 198. More than oneauxiliary guide 330 may be used in this invention. When more than oneauxiliary guide 330 is used with this invention, the auxiliary guides330 may be positioned such that the center point of the auxiliary guides330 is opposed to the container positioning means 198.

The operation of the above embodiment will now be discussed. Prior toinsertion of an open-topped container 16 into the opening 90, thecontainer positioning means 198 is positioned substantiallyperpendicularly to the lower plate 88. When an open-topped container 16having a smaller brim 18 diameter is inserted into the lower plateopening 90, e.g., a 16 oz. or 22 oz. container 16, the brim may contactthe container positioning means 198 as it is positioned in the opening90. While the container may contact the container positioning means 198for purposes of centering the container 16, pressure necessary to pivotthe container positioning means 198 need not be exerted on the containerpositioning means 198. Therefore, the container positioning means 198may not pivot (see FIG. 37). The auxiliary guide 330 may be included toassist the operator in centering the container 16.

When a larger diameter container 16, e.g., a 32 oz. container, isinserted into the opening 90, the brim 18 diameter is larger than theeffective opening 90 of the lower plate 88. As such, as the largerdiameter container 16 is inserted into the opening 90, the brim 18 ofthe container 16 exerts pressure on the upper portion of the containerpositioning means 198, thereby forcing the upper portion of thecontainer positioning means 198 to pivot away from the container 16 andincreasing the effective opening 90 diameter such that the container 16can be fully inserted (see FIG. 38). The auxiliary guide 330 assists inpositioning the container 16 in rough axial alignment with the opening90 in the lower plate 88. In particular, the auxiliary guide 330 forcesthe operator to exert pressure against the container positioning means198 in order to fully insert the container 16 into the opening 90. Afterthe container 16 has been removed, the biasing means 334 returns thecontainer positioning means 198 to its starting position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 39and 40, the container positioning means 198 includes a positioningsaddle 336. In one embodiment, the horizontal surface of the positioningsaddle 336 is curved inwardly to roughly conform to the curve of thecontainer 16 to be centered. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that it is not necessary for the positioning saddle 336 to becurved, and that any generally concave shape that will assist incentering a container can be used with this invention. In thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, the positioning saddle 336 has abracket 338 that is integral with the positioning saddle 336, thebracket 338 being pivotally attached to a hinge bracket 326. Inaddition, the hinge bracket 338 is attached to the lower plate 88. Abiasing means 334 may be provided to urge the positioning saddle 336substantially perpendicularly to the lower plate 88. This embodiment mayinclude at least one auxiliary guide 330. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 39 and 40, two auxiliary guides 330 are provided opposite to thepositioning saddle 336. Finally, in this embodiment a protective guard42 may be provided. The protective guard 42 can assist in keepingliquids away from moisture sensitive equipment. The operation of thisembodiment is as described above.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS.41-42, the container positioning means 198 includes two sets of postscapable of guiding the container into the opening 90. In particular,this embodiment has at least two outer posts 342 capable of guidinglarger diameter containers 16 and at least two inner posts 344 capableof guiding smaller diameter containers 16. The inner posts 344 arelocated between the two outer posts 342 and are generally vertical andpivotable. Auxiliary guides 330, as described above, may be included inthis embodiment.

As depicted in FIG. 42, the outer posts 342 have a first end 346 and asecond end 348. Each of the outer post first ends 346 is fixedlyattached to the lower plate 88, the lower plate 88 having an opening 90as described above. In particular, the outer post first ends 346 areattached at the periphery of the lower plate opening 90. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 42, the outer posts 342 are angularlyattached to the lower plate 88 and inclined inwardly toward the axis ofthe opening 90 in the lower plate 88. Each of the outer post second ends348 is connected to a hinge means 350. The inner posts 344 have a firstend 352 and a second end 354. Each of the inner post second, or lower,ends 354 is connected to the hinge means 350. The hinge means 350 mayhave a biasing means 334 that causes the inner posts 344 to extendangularly and inwardly away from the outer posts 342 such that the innerpost first ends 352 are within the diametrical plane of the opening 90.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the biasingmeans 334 can be a spring, a flexible plate, or other means capable ofproviding a biasing force capable of causing the inner posts 344 toextend inwardly away from the outer posts 342.

The operation of the above embodiment will now be discussed. When anopen-topped container 16 having a smaller brim 18 diameter is insertedinto the lower plate opening 90, e.g., a 16 oz. or 22 oz. container 16,the brim 18 may contact the inner posts 344 of the container positioningmeans 198 as it is positioned in the opening 90. While the container 16may contact the inner posts 344 of the container positioning means 198for purposes of centering the container 16, pressure necessary to movethe inner posts 344 towards the outer posts 342 need not be exerted onthe inner posts 344. At least one auxiliary guide 330 may be included toassist the operator in centering the container 16.

When a larger diameter container 16, e.g., a 32 oz. container, isinserted into the opening 90, the brim 18 diameter is larger than theeffective opening 90 of the lower plate 88. As such, as the largerdiameter container 16 is inserted into the opening 90, the brim 18 ofthe container 16 exerts pressure on the inner posts 344 of the containerpositioning means 198, thereby forcing the inner posts 344 to move inthe direction of the outer posts 342 and away from the container 16,increasing the effective opening 90 diameter such that the container 16can be fully inserted. When an auxiliary guide 330 is used it can assistin positioning the container 16. In particular, the auxiliary guide 330may force the operator to exert pressure against the inner posts 344 inorder to fully insert the container 16 into the opening 90. After thecontainer 16 is removed, the biasing means 334 returns the inner posts344 to their starting position.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the container positioningmeans 198 provides at least two positive contact points, i.e., the posts332, the terminal edges of the saddle 336, and the inner and outer posts344 and 342, respectively, capable of positively positioning a container16. In particular, the two positive contact points contact the container16, thereby limiting lateral movement, i.e., side to side movement, ofthe container 16 as it is centered and moved through the lower plate 88.Moreover, the above-described container positioning means 198 do notinhibit placement of the container 16 as it is moved by the operatorinto position for centering until the container 16 is centered under thelower plate opening 90.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS.43 and 44, an auxiliary container positioning device 356 is included.The auxiliary container positioning device 356 may be used incombination with the container positioning device. When used with thecontainer positioning device, the auxiliary container positioning device356 is disposed above the lower plate 88 opposite the containerpositioning device. The auxiliary container positioning device 356 iscapable of maintaining the positioning of the container 16 after itpasses through the container positioning device. The auxiliary containerpositioning device 356 includes an inner ring 358 and a generallyconcentric outer ring 360, both disposed above the lower plate 88. Inone embodiment the inner ring 358 may have an elongated body 362 and theouter ring 360 may have an elongated body 364. In one embodiment, theouter ring elongated body 364 extends past the inner ring elongated body362. The inner diameter of the outer ring 360 should be slightly largerthan the brim 18 diameter of the largest container 16 to be insertedinto the auxiliary container positioning device 356. The inner ring 358is positioned inside of the outer ring 360 and in axial slideablecommunication with the outer ring 360. The outer diameter of the innerring 358 may be approximately the same diameter of the brim 18 of thelargest container 16 to be inserted into the auxiliary containerpositioning device 356 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 358should be slightly larger than that of the brim 18 diameter of a smallerdiameter container 16. That is, when a larger diameter container 16 isinserted into the container positioning device, the brim 18 of thecontainer 16 may contact the diameter of the inner ring 358. The innerring 358 may be retained by the outer ring 360 to prevent the lowersurface of the inner ring 358 from contacting the lower plate 88.

In one embodiment, e.g., when used with a radiant energy lidding device,the inner ring 358 and the outer ring 360 may be constructed ofmaterials that minimize loss of radiant energy, thereby allowingsufficient radiant energy to pass through and contact a film. The rings358, 360 may be constructed of plastic, glass, or other material thatminimizes the loss of radiant energy. In addition, known opticalcoatings may be used to minimize energy loss and/or heat build-up in therings 358, 360. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thata variety of materials can be used to construct the rings 358, 360.

The operation of the above embodiment will now be discussed. When anopen-topped container 16 having a smaller brim 18 diameter is insertedthrough the lower plate opening 90, e.g., a 16 oz. or 22 oz. container16, the container 16 may be inserted through the inner ring 358. Whilethe smaller diameter container 16 may not contact the inner ring 358,the inner ring 358 may act as a guide for centering the container 16(see FIG. 43). When a larger diameter container 16, e.g., a 32 oz.container, is inserted through the opening 90, the brim 18 diameter islarger than the opening of the inner ring 358, but smaller than theopening of the outer ring 360. As such, the brim 18 will contact theinner ring 358, pushing it upwards (see FIG. 44). In addition, the outerring 360 may act as a guide for centering the container 16. When thecontainer positioning device of this embodiment is used with a liddingsystem as described below, the inner ring 358 may contact an activationplate. After the container 16 is removed, the inner ring 358 returns toits starting position.

The lidding operation of the described apparatus will now be explained.After the beverage container 16 is filled with the desired beverage, theoperator places the beverage container 16 in contact with the film 20that has previously been cut (for example, see discussion below), and inproximity of the reflective cup assembly 10. The beverage container 16is moved into the sealing position by pushing the activation plate 118,as well as the post 130 and activation source 132, upward. At an upwardend of travel, the activation source 132 trips the reed switch 134,thereby activating the radiant energy source(s) 12 and initiating therotational movement of the modular rotational assembly 22 by the driver48.

As the reflective cup assembly 10 rotates, the radiant energy emitsdiffusely in all directions from the radiant energy source 12. A portionof the radiant energy travels directly to the area of the beveragecontainer 16 located directly beneath the brim 18 of the beveragecontainer 16. Another portion of the radiant energy contacts thereflective cup 14 and is directed to desired shrinkage area of the film20 located around the brim 18 of the beverage container 16. As theradiant energy contacts the film 20, radiant energy is absorbed and thefilm 20 shrinks, forming a seal around the lid of the beverage container16. The lidded beverage container 16 is then removed from the liddingsystem 40. When the container 16 is removed, a sensor (not shown) startsthe advancement of the film 20 for the next lidding cycle.

The above-described lidding system 40 significantly may reduce filmsealing time over prior art systems, while potentially achieving greatersealing strengths. In particular, as shown in Table 1 below, in thesystem described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,410, when the sealing durationwas set at 1.4 seconds, the average sealing strength was 14.99 lbs. Thesealing strength was measured using a hand held force gauge pressingdownward on the center of the film with a ¾″ diameter ball. In thelidding system of this invention, on the other hand, with a 1.0 secondsealing time, the average sealing strength was 19.36 lbs. In each of thetrials a 75 gauge Bemis Clysar XLP pololefin shrink film was used, Thefollowing table lists the results of the trials.

TABLE 1 ′410 Patent (lbs) Lidding System (lbs) 1 15.21 20.58 2 17.4115.32 3 16.75 18.47 4 16.79 19.35 5 11.53 20.42 6 16.70 18.82 7 15.8423.58 8 13.40 21.51 9 15.38 19.52 10 10.91 16.00 average 14.99 19.36

As such, the sealing strength of a film on a container using the liddingsystem of the present invention may be up to at least about 16 lbs. Inone embodiment, the sealing strength of a film on a container using thelidding system of the present invention may be up to at least about 19lbs.

In one embodiment, the radiant energy source(s) 12 may be pre-heated. Inparticular, phase control methods may be employed to control the outputof the radiant energy sources 12, thereby reducing the amount of timerequired to sufficiently shrink the film 9 and, in addition, providingmore consistent film shrinking. In one embodiment, the phase controlmethod employed may include an AC photocoupler (not shown) to monitorthe AC voltage, and a micro-controller (also not shown) to regulate thedrive triac controlling the radiant energy sources 12. In an exampleoperation, when the line voltage reaches approximately 0 volts, themicro-controller will delay turning on the triac for an specified amountof time, such that for every cycle the radiant energy sources 12 willonly be energized for a portion of the time. The radiant energy sources12 may be energized from about 1-20% of the cycle time.

By only energizing the radiant energy sources 12 for a fraction of eachcycle, the micro-controller can control the effective output of theradiant energy sources 12. Because the AC line voltage cycles at 60 Hz,and the radiant energy sources 12 cannot energize and de-energize thatquickly, the actual output of the radiant energy sources 12 isproportionate to the average voltage across the radiant energy sources12.

By controlling the light and heat output of the radiant energy sources12, as described above, the micro-controller can minimize the timerequired to sufficiently shrink the film 20 onto a beverage container 16by keeping the output of the radiant energy sources 12 at a low levelwhen they are not being used. In this manner, the radiant energy sources12 do not take as long to reach full illumination as they do from a coldstart. Moreover, by pre-warming the radiant energy sources 12, a moreconsistent shrink may be provided. When the radiant energy sources 12are energized from a cold start every time, the radiant energy source 12output tends to shrink the film more when the lidding cycle frequency ishigh than when the lidding cycle frequency is low. This is because afterfrequent cycling the radiant energy sources are in a pre-warmed stateand the subsequent energizing can overexpose the film to radiant energycontributing to undesirable heat build-up.

In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 5, the lidding system includes astraw-hole lamp system 50 for marking a straw-hole on the film 20. Thestraw-hole lamp system 50 may include a reflector cup 52 and a radiantenergy source 54. In particular, the lidding system may have astraw-hole reflector cup 52 for reflecting and concentrating radiantenergy for impinging the surface of the film 20. In the depictedembodiment, the reflector cup 52 has an inner surface that isellipsoidal. The radiant energy source 54 may have a wattage of betweenapproximately 50-150. The wattage should be chosen to provide sufficientenergy to shrink the film, without burning through the film. In oneembodiment, the wattage may be approximately 100 watts. One radiantenergy source that has been successfully used is an Osram JC24V-100W/G6.35, available from Osram Sylvania, Inc. of Danvers, Mass. Theellipsoidal surface of the reflector cup 52 reflects a substantialportion of the incident light towards the straw-hole target area on thefilm 20, therefore causing the incident light to strike the film 20. Thearea impinged on by the radiant energy may be larger than a typicaldrinking straw, e.g., approximately ½″. Those of ordinary skill in theart will understand that other reflective cup 52 shapes, such asspherical or parabolic, can be used with the current invention. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the straw-hole lamp system 50 is atwo-part structure, including a reflective cup 52 and a lamp housing 53.In this embodiment, the reflective cup 52 is capable of being removedfrom the lamp housing 53 for ease in changing the radiant energy source54. The two pieces may couple via a twist-lock or snap-lock arrangement,and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there are awide variety of other methods of coupling the two pieces.

In operation, when the radiant energy impinges on the film 20, theactivated portion of the film 20, which may be printed with an energyabsorbing substance, retracts from the center of the aperture area,leaving a substantially circular area on the film 20 that is thinnerthan the area not impinged on by radiant energy. The thinner area isweaker, allowing a straw to be inserted therethrough with less force. Inaddition, as the film 20 retracts, an outer ring of thicker film may beformed providing a strengthening annulus around the thinner area. Thestrengthening annulus may assist in preventing the film 20 from tearingafter the straw is inserted.

The radiant energy source 54 may be pulsed for a period of timesufficient to shrink, but not bum through, the film 9. In oneembodiment, a pulse-width modulated signal from a micro-controller (notshown) is included to control the average voltage level of the radiantenergy source 54. This allows the radiant energy source 54 to bemaintained in a continually pre-warmed state. In particular, the averagevoltage across the radiant energy source 54 may be controlled by varyingthe duty cycle of a high frequency signal, thereby controlling the lightand heat output. In one embodiment, the high frequency signal may beapproximately 7 kHz.

By keeping the duty cycle low, for example 1-5%, the radiant energysource 54 can be kept on at a low level, such that when it is turned onfully or pulsed at a higher duty cycle, it may transmit a moreconsistent amount of energy to the film regardless of the shrinkingcycle frequency. Moreover, this allows for more flexibility incontrolling the light and heat output of the pulse, by providing theability to vary the voltage across the radiant energy source 54 as wellas the duration of the pulse.

In another embodiment, the lidding system may have a drink markingsystem 234 for identifying the contents of the container after it hasbeen lidded. In particular, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 22 includesfixed radiant energy assemblies 236 positioned proximate the surface ofthe film 20 being lidded onto the container. The fixed radiant energyassemblies 236 can direct radiant energy such that it impinges on thesurface of the film 20 covering the container 16. Each fixed radiantenergy assembly 236 may include a reflective cup housing 238, areflective cup 240, and a radiant energy source 242.

As depicted in FIG. 22, the reflective cup housing 238 may have anelongated surface, and may further include heat dissipating fins 244located on the exterior of the housing 238. One end of the reflectivecup housing 238 may house the reflective cup 240. The second end of thereflective cup housing 238 may be in communication with a markingassembly housing 246. The marking assembly housing 246 may have a numberof orifices 248 capable of receiving and holding the second end of thereflective cup housing 238. When a drink marking system 234 and astraw-hole lamp system 50 are both included in the lidding system, boththe reflective cup housings 238 and the straw-hole lamp system 50 may bein communication with the marking assembly housing 246, as depicted inFIGS. 22-23. Finally, as shown in FIG. 23, a solenoid 94 (discussedbelow) may likewise be in communication with the marking assemblyhousing 246.

Moreover, while not necessary, the marking assembly housing 246 may bemodular to allow for easy removal from and insertion into the liddingsystem. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the markingassembly housing 246 is rotatably lockable into an upper portion flange250 of the vertical mounting bracket 136, the upper surface of themarking assembly housing 246 having cutouts 252 that are capable ofcommunicating with receiving portions 254 located on the upper portionflange 250 of the vertical mounting bracket 136. To insert the markingassembly housing 246, it is placed in communication with the upperportion flange 250 of the vertical mounting bracket 136 such that thereceiving portions 254 fall within the cutouts 252 and then the markingassembly housing 246 is turned slightly to lock. The upper portionflange 250 of the vertical mounting bracket 136 may also have a lockinglever 256 to prevent the marking assembly housing 246 from shifting oncelocked in place.

As shown in FIG. 24, the radiant energy source 242 may be located withinthe reflector cup 240. The reflective cup 240 may be provided forreflecting and concentrating radiant energy for impinging the surface ofthe film 20. The reflective cup 240 may have a reflective inner surface.In the depicted embodiment, the reflective cup 240 has an inner surfacethat is substantially ellipsoidal. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that other reflective cup shapes, such as fullyellipsoidal, spherical, or parabolic, can be used with the currentinvention. The radiant energy source 242 may have a wattage of betweenapproximately 50-150. The wattage should be chosen to provide sufficientenergy to shrink the film, without burning through the film. In oneembodiment, the wattage may be approximately 100 watts. One radiantenergy source that has been successfully used is an Osram JC24V-100W/G6.35, available from Osram Sylvania, Inc. of Danvers, Mass. Thesubstantially ellipsoidal surface of the reflective cup 240 reflects asubstantial portion of the incident light towards the drink mark targetarea on the film 20, therefore causing the incident light to strike thefilm 20.

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 24-25, easier removal andinsertion of the radiant energy source 242 may be accomplished byproviding a holding means 258 for holding the radiant energy source 242.As depicted, the holding means 258 may include a first end 260 capableof receiving the radiant energy source 242. This first end 260 mayfurther include means 262 for transmitting electrical energy to theradiant energy source 242 for activation. A second end 264 of theholdings means 258 may have a portion that can easily be gripped by theuser. The holding means 258 may be capable of insertion into the secondend of the reflective cup housing. The holding means 258 may furtherinclude a retaining means, such as a snap-lock or twist-lockarrangement, to retain the holding means 258 in the reflective cuphousing 238.

In one embodiment, the lidding system may include at least one fixedradiant energy assembly 236. In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG.22, the lidding system has four fixed radiant energy assemblies 236.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more than fourfixed radiant energy assemblies 236 can be used and that the number canbe selected based on the number of drink selections desired and thespace constraints of the lidding system itself.

For drink marking purposes, the film 20 can be manufactured having thevarious beverage options, such as “soda”, “diet”, “cola”, “orange”, and“water”, imprinted on the film. Moreover, the film 20 can bemanufactured having a plurality of interiorly located heat shrinkabletarget regions, where each of the target regions has indicating meansfor identifying the contents of the container when the target regionsare exposed to radiant energy.

When selecting one of the various beverage option, the radiant energysource 242 located above the beverage option on the film 20 desired forselection may be energized such that radiant energy impinges on thesurface of the film 20 in the vicinity of the desired option, or targetregion. For example, if the container 16 is filled with water, theradiant energy source 242 located above the mark on the film 20identifying water is activated such that the radiant energy impinges onthe film 20 under the “water” position, the area to be marked containingenergy absorbing material, such as ink containing carbon black. In oneembodiment, the drink selections on the film 20 may be provided with acontrasting background such that when the film 20 is marked theselection is easily identifiable. The film substrate may include, eitherprinted thereon or incorporated into the substrate, thermochromic ink.

When a drink marking system 234 is included in the lidding system, theactivation plate 118 should be configured to allow the radiant energyemitted from the radiant energy source 242 to pass through theactivation plate 118 and impinge the film 20, as the activation plate118 is interposed between the radiant energy sources 242 and the film20. In particular, in one embodiment, the activation plate 118 may beconstructed of materials that minimize loss of radiant energy, therebyallowing sufficient radiant energy to pass through and contact the film,such as plastic or glass. In addition, an optical coating may be used tominimize energy loss and/or heat build-up in the activation plate 118.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety ofmaterials can be used to construct the activation plate 1 18. Inaddition, to assist in directing the radiant energy to the target,portions of the activation plate 118 can be masked with a material thatwill not allow radiant energy to pass therethrough, thereby assisting indirecting the radiant energy substantially to the target area.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 26, the activation plate 1 18may be constructed of a material, such as aluminum, that does not allowradiant energy to pass therethrough, with orifices 266 formed in theactivation plate to allow radiant energy from the activated radiantenergy sources 242 to pass through and impinge on the target area of thefilm 20. The orifices 266 should be arranged such that each orifice islocated above a target area. The orifice 266 may be a circular openingor, in another embodiment, may have a marking pattern for use inidentifying the contents of the beverage container. There are a largevariety of marking patterns that can be used, including an arrow, acircle of dots that will encircle the word, a check mark, a dot, etc.For example, if there are four different possibilities for the contentsof the container, i.e., “cola”, “diet”, “water”, and “other”, there maybe four engravings, e.g., arrows, dots, circle of dots, words, etc., onthe activation plate 118. The marking pattern should be in alignmentwith the selections on the film 20.

In one embodiment, the target area has a single black layer. In thisembodiment, a relatively clear or lighter spot may appear in the middleof a dark area. In another embodiment, the film has two ink layers, thebottom layer being black and the top layer being white. In thisembodiment, when the radiant energy impinges the film, a relativelyclear spot appears in the middle of a light area.

In another embodiment, a thermochromic ink layer is included. Inparticularly, in one embodiment, the marking options printed onto thefilm have absorbent, reflective, or contrast-enhancing and thermochromiclayers. Accordingly, after the container is filled with a specificbeverage, radiant energy may be directed to the film at the beverageoption selected. The radiant energy results in the heating of theabsorbent material in the vicinity of the beverage option selected andthereby causes a localized increase in temperature of the indicia-formeridentifying that option. The increase in temperature causes theindicia-former identifying that option to change color (e.g., from whiteto black). The resultant black marking identifies the option selected,thus indicating the contents of the container. As radiant energy is notdirected at the indicia-formers identifying other drink options, thoseindicia-formers do not change color. Accordingly, the beverage optionselected is identified by the color change of the particularindicia-former identifying that option.

The identification marking can take numerous configurations. Forexample, configurations can include a circle enclosing the letter “x”, acheck mark, or even a word or words identifying the beverage. In oneembodiment, the source of the radiant energy is positioned from about0.3 inches to about 1.0 inch away from the film. In one embodiment, thesource of the radiant energy is positioned approximately 0.5 inches fromthe film.

In another embodiment, radiant energy can be directed to the absorbentlayers at the options not selected so that the beverage option selectedwould be the only option identified that did not undergo a change fromone visual condition to a second visual condition.

In one embodiment, the film is manufactured by applying an absorbentmaterial onto at least a portion of a thin film substrate which issubstantially transparent to radiant energy. The absorbent materialshould be sufficiently opaque to radiant energy to absorb radiant energyand convert it to heat energy. An energy sensitive indicia-former whichundergoes conversion from a first visual condition to a second visualcondition upon exposure to heat energy may then be applied onto the filmsubstrate. One method of application is by printing.

The following examples were generated using a thermochromatic ink of thepresent invention.

EXAMPLE 1

A test was performed to confirm the ability of the combination of thethermochromic and absorbing inks to form in the indicia-former after itundergoes exposure to radiant energy in the form of a lightbulb. A75-gauge CLYSAR film manufactured by Bemis Corporation was printed withan absorbent material consisting of a black ink that contains carbonpigment sold under the name Brazilia TN15787 by Coates Ink, a divisionof Sun Chemical. Then a white ink sold by Coates Ink under the tradename Lunar TN12316 was printed over discrete portions of the black layerof absorbent material to provide indicia areas showing the various typesof drink options, resulting in each indicia area having a gray colorwhich serves to provide a contrasting background for the indicia formedupon conversion to the second visual condition. Next, an indicia-formercomposed of a white thermochromic ink manufactured by SherwoodTechnologies, LLD, Nottingham, UK, under the trade name Sherwood Type 90was printed over each gray-colored indicia area. The resulting indiciaareas were gray in color.

The film was exposed to a 350-watt halogen lightbulb, causing thethermochromic ink to turn from gray to black. The change in color of theindicia area was visible, but it was felt that the contrast could beimproved as described in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 2

The test procedure used in Example 1 was repeated, except thatadditional white ink was provided for contrast on each indicia area,resulting in the indicia area having a white appearance relative to thegray appearance in Example 1 above. Then the thermochromicindicia-former was added over the white layer and exposed to the same350-watt halogen lightbulb, causing the indicia-former to change fromwhite to black. Accordingly, the color change of the thermochromic inkin Example 2 was more pronounced and easier to see.

EXAMPLE 3

The film substrate was treated with the absorbent ink for radiant energyabsorption, white ink to provide contrast and thermochromic ink as theindicia-former, as in Example 1. The treated film was exposed to the350-watt halogen lightbulb for one-half second at a distance of 0.5inch. Following such exposure, the thermochromic layer changed fromwhite to black.

EXAMPLE 4

A packaging film was prepared as in Example 3. The period of exposure ofthe treated film to the 350-watt halogen lightbulb at a distance of 0.5inch was changed from 0.5 second to 1.0 second. The resulting heatmelted the film, causing a hole to form in the film, indicatingover-treatment.

EXAMPLE 5

The film of Example 1 was exposed to radiant energy from a 100-watthalogen bulb for one-quarter of a second. The halogen bulb was operatingat 30% of full power (duty cycle energized 30% of the time duringactivation period). Radiant energy was applied to the film at a distanceof 0.5 inch. These conditions resulted in the transformation of thethermochromic ink from white to black, without any noticeabledeleterious effect on the thermochromic ink layer.

EXAMPLE 6

The film of Example 2 was exposed to radiant energy from a 100-watthalogen bulb for one-quarter of a second. The halogen bulb was operatingat 30% of full power (duty cycle energized 30% of the time duringactivation period). Radiant energy was applied to the film at a distanceof 0.5 inch. These conditions resulted in the transformation of thethermochromic ink from white to black, without any noticeabledeleterious effect on the thermochromic ink layer.

EXAMPLE 7

The film of Example 1 was treated with the black energy absorbent ink,two layers of white ink for contrast and thermochromic ink. Thethermochromic ink was applied in the configuration of a circle enclosingthe letter “x”. The film was exposed to radiant energy from a 100-watthalogen bulb for one-quarter of a second. The halogen bulb was operatingat 30% of full power (duty cycle energized 30% of time during activationperiod). Radiant energy was applied to the film of a distance of 0.5inch. The condition resulted in the transformation of the thermochromicink from white to black, resulting in a very distinct circle enclosingthe letter “x”.

In operation, the user may select the appropriate radiant energy source242 to be energized by, for example, depressing a button located on thelidding system housing (not shown) for the appropriate drink selection.For example, if the container contains water, the user will depress thebutton marked “water.” By depressing the button, electronic logic (notshown) will cause the appropriate fixed radiant energy source to beactivated during lidding of the container. After lidding, the film willcontain a mark on the surface identifying the contents of the container.In one embodiment, two drink selections can be chosen. For example, ifthe container contains diet cola, both the “diet” and “cola” buttons canbe depressed and, after lidding is completed, the film will containmarks on both the “diet” and “cola” target areas.

In operation, when the radiant energy impinges on the film 20, theactivated portion of the film 20, which may be printed with an energyabsorbing substance, may leave a substantially circular area on the film20 that is thinner than the area not impinged on by radiant energy.

When thermochromatic ink is included, the radiant energy source 242 ispulsed for a period of time sufficient to treat the thermochromic ink.In one embodiment, a pulse-width modulated signal from amicro-controller (not shown) is included to control the average voltagelevel of the radiant energy source 242. This allows the radiant energysource 242 to be maintained in a continually pre-warmed state. Inparticular, as described above with regard to the straw-hole lamp, theaverage voltage across the radiant energy source 242 is controlled byvarying the duty cycle of a high frequency signal, thereby controllingthe light and heat output. In one embodiment, the high frequency signalmay be approximately 7 kHz.

The present invention may also include drink containers covered by heatshrinkable flexible films. According to this embodiment of theinvention, an open-top container may be covered by a heat shrinkable,flexible packaging film having at least one heat sensitiveindicia-former on the surface thereof. The film material may comprise athin film substrate which is flexible and contracts when heated, andwhich is substantially transparent to radiant energy, thereby remainingsubstantially unchanged by radiant energy. An absorbent material mayoverlay at least a portion of the film substrate. The absorbent materialmay be sufficiently opaque to radiant energy to absorb and convertradiant energy into heat energy. This heat energy may cause the heatsensitive indicia-former carried by the film to undergo conversion froma first visual condition to a second visual condition. This change invisual condition may occurs at a temperature below that at which thefilm is caused to shrink.

The invention may further include a method of preparing and sealingbeverage containers. According to this embodiment of the invention, anopen-top container may be filled with a beverage. The open-top containermay then be covered with the film of the invention. The film materialmay then be subjected to energy, which is converted to heat energy. Theheat energy may cause the film material to shrink to form a seal overthe open top, and the indicia-former is thereafter exposed to heatsufficient to transform it from the first visual condition to the secondvisual condition.

Alternatively, the sealing step can be carried out simultaneously withor after the step of transforming the indicia former from a first visualcondition to a second visual condition.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the invention may include a filmbrake and tension controller. The film brake and tension controller 60may include a mechanical arm 62 having a first end 64 and a second end66. As also shown in FIG. 8, the mechanical arm 62 may be substantiallyU-shaped, where the top, open portion of the “U” is the first end 64,and the bottom, connected portion of the “U” is the second end 66. TheU-shaped mechanical arm 62 may be formed by at least two substantiallyparallel legs 68 extending from the first end 64 and connected by across bar 70 at the second end 66.

The film brake and tension controller 60 may further include a forceapplying means 72 interposed between the first end 64 and second end 66.In the embodiment shown, the force applying means 72 is a weight. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the force applyingmeans 72 can be other biasing means, such as a spring. The forceapplying means 72 bridges the two parallel legs 68. The force applyingmeans 72 can be separately attached to the legs 68, as depicted in FIGS.7 and 8, or can be integral with the legs 68. In one embodiment, themechanical arm 62 and force applying means 72 may be fabricated ofstainless steel. Those-of ordinary skill in the art will recognize,however, that the mechanical arm 62 and force applying means 72 can befabricated of various other materials, such as polycarbonate or carbonsteel.

In one embodiment, the surface of the force applying means 72 contactingthe film is substantially flat. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand, however, that the lower surface of the force applying means72 can be modified to accommodate a non-uniform film 20. For example, ifthe film 20 has eye marks located along its side edges, the diameter ofthe film roll at those locations may be greater than that at the centerportion of the film 20 not having an eye mark. As such, to maintaincontact between the force applying means 72 and the center portion ofthe film 20, a portion of the lower surface of the force applying meansmay be removed to provide clearance for the eye mark line.

The mass of the force applying means 72 will be dependent on numerousfactors, including the gauge and width of the film, the average diameterof the supply roll, the force and speed applied to the supply rollduring the unwinding process, and other factors, such as the coefficientof friction between the film 20 and the contacting components, e.g., theforce applying means 72 and the cross bar 70. In one embodiment, theforce applying means 72 has a mass of about 1.5 to about 3.5 lbs., andin an exemplary embodiment, a mass of about 3.2 lbs. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will be readily able to determine the appropriateweight to provide optimum film 20 tension.

The first end 64 of the mechanical arm 62 may have pivot ends 74. Asshown in FIG. 7, the pivot ends 74 are capable of being mounted to aframe 76. The pivot ends 74 may allow the mechanical arm 62 to pivotabout the frame 76 as the film is advanced from the supply roll to thetake-up roll and as the diameter of the supply roll decreases. The pivotends 74 may further allow for the mechanical arm 62 to be moved formaintenance of the lidding system or to install a new supply roll in thelidding system. Moreover, in one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 27, afilm brake lift assembly 268 may be included to assist in lifting themechanical arm 62 and then holding the mechanical arm 62 in an upwardposition. The film brake lift assembly 268 may be pivotally attached tothe lidding system frame 76 and be capable of pivoting upwardly andholding the mechanical arm 62 in an upward position. As shown in FIG.27, the film brake lift assembly may have a detent 270 for positivelylocking onto the mechanical arm 62. In one embodiment, the pivot ends 74are substantially perpendicular to the mechanical arm 62, such that theyare capable of being received by receiving holes 78 in the frame 76, asdepicted in FIG. 7. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat there are various methods for attaching the film brake and tensioncontroller 60 to the lidding system frame 76. For example, the frame 76could be equipped with rotatable brackets (not shown) that are capableof receiving the pivot ends 74.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second end 66 of the mechanical arm 62 isconfigured at an angular orientation to the first end 64. The second end66 includes the cross bar 70 which connects the legs 68. In theembodiments depicted, the cross bar 70 is disposed for contact with thefilm 20. In particular, the cross bar 70 may assist in maintaining thetension in the film 20. In one embodiment, the cross bar 70 is linear,that is, parallel with the width of the film 20. In another embodiment,the cross bar 70 may be at least slightly V-shaped.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, a guide bar 80 is attached to thecross bar 70. The bottom portion of the guide bar 80 is disposed forcontact with the film 20 and, accordingly, should be a smooth surface.The guide bar 80 can be fabricated of delrin, stainless steel, or otherindirect food-contact approved materials. The guide bar 80 can belinear, at least slightly V-shaped, or any other shape that will providetension and act as a smoothing bar. In addition, the guide bar 80 couldbe a roller.

The operation of the described embodiments of the film brake and tensioncontroller 60, in combination with a lidding system 40, will now bediscussed. FIG. 7 depicts the film brake and tension controller 60 inconjunction with a portion of the lidding system 40. The film brake andtension controller 60 may be attached to the frame 76 of the liddingsystem. As shown in FIG. 7, the film brake and tension controller 60 maybe positioned such that the force applying means 72 is in contact withan upper surface of the supply roll 42. The force applying means 72provides a downward force onto the supply roll 42. In particular, theforce applying means 72 may provide a downward force sufficient tosubstantially reduce or eliminate overspin of the supply roll 42 afterthe film 20 is advanced. In one embodiment, the force applying means 72has a mass of about 1.5 to about 3.5 lbs., and in an exemplaryembodiment, a mass of about 3.2 lbs.

As the film 20 passes from the supply roll 42 to the lidding section(not shown in FIG. 7), the cross bar 70 (or guide bar 80, if included)may contact the film 20 across its entire width. Because the second end66 of the film brake and tension controller 60 is oriented at a downwardangular orientation, the film 20 may be caused to follow a “V” path asit leaves the supply roll 42. When tension is first applied to the film20 to advance the film 20, the portion of the film 20 in the “V” pathmay pull upward on the mechanical arm 62, causing the mechanical arm 62to pivot about the pivot ends 74. During this advancing action, theforce applying means 72 may float above the supply roll 42. After theadvancing action ceases, the mechanical arm 62 may lower until the forceapplying means 72 contacts the supply roll 42. The cross bar 70 (or theguide bar 80, if included), which may be in constant contact with thefilm 20, will likewise lower, thereby taking up the slack in the film 20and maintaining a substantially uniform tension in the film 20. Themovement of the supply roll 42 may then be stopped by the frictionresulting from the force applying means 72 resting on the supply roll42.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, the invention includes a webcutter 92. According to one embodiment, the web cutter 92 may includethe top plate 82, the fixed ring 84, the lower plate 88, a solenoid 94,and the modular rotational assembly 22. The top plate 82 may be incommunication with the fixed ring 84. In particular, when a web cutter92 is included, the top plate 82 may have top plate positioning members86 which are in sliding communication with fixed ring recesses 58 in thefixed ring 84. A spring member 96 may be positioned in the fixed ringrecess 58. The spring member 96 may be capable of maintaining aseparating force between the top plate 82 and the fixed ring 84. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the spring member 96can be located separately from the fixed ring recess 58. Moreover, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the spring member 96can be vertical coil springs, as shown in FIG. 9, or can be a variety ofother spring-like members.

When a web cutter 92 is included, the modular rotational assembly 22 mayinclude, in addition to the above described components, at least onewheel assembly 98 and at least one cutting member assembly 100. In oneembodiment, at least two wheel assemblies 98 may be used. In oneembodiment, at least two cutting member assemblies 100 may be used.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more than twowheel assemblies 98 and more that two cutting member assemblies 100 canbe used in this invention. In one embodiment, the modular rotationalassembly 22 has three wheel assemblies 98. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that more than two cutting member assemblies 100can be used in this invention. In one embodiment, the modular rotationalassembly 22 has three cutting member assemblies 100. In one embodiment,the modular rotational assembly 22 has the same number of cutting memberassemblies 100 as wheel assemblies 98.

In one embodiment, each wheel assembly 98 includes a wheel housing 102having at least two wheels 104 located therein. The wheels 104 may berotatably mounted on an axis, such as an axle 106. Each wheel assembly98 may further include a post 108 the post 108 may be integral with orattached to the wheel housing 102. The upper plate 24 may be incommunication with the wheel assembly 98. The upper plate 24 may havereceiving holes 110 located about its periphery that are capable ofreceiving the wheel assembly posts 108. In one embodiment, a post 108may be in sliding communication with a corresponding receiving hole 110of the upper plate 24. In one embodiment, the post 108 may further be insliding communication with a post bushing 109, the post bushing 109further in communication with the upper plate 24.

Each cutting member assembly 100 may be attached to or integral with asurface of the upper plate 24 and may be substantially perpendicular tothe upper plate 24. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 14, thecutting member assembly 100 may include a slide locking means 176, theslide locking means 176 may further include at least one locking post178, the locking post 178 having a lower body portion 180 and an upperbody portion 182, and further extending above the upper plate 24. Thelocking post 178 may have a substantially cylindrical shaped body. Thelower body portion 180 may be smaller in diameter than the upper portion182 of the locking post 178. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, theupper plate 24 has three cutting member assemblies 100, each assembly100 having a locking post 178. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14,each locking post 178 is integral with its associated cutting memberassembly 100, and the locking posts 178 extend through the upper plate24. In this embodiment, the cutting member assemblies 100, and hence thelocking posts 178, form a part of the modular rotational assembly 22,and function as described above with regard to the modular rotationalassembly 22.

A cutting member 112 may be attached to each cutting member assembly100. The cutting members 112 can be a blade, knife, or any other cuttingapparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the art, or laterdiscovered, as appropriate for cutting a web. Cutting member life is oneaspect to be considered when choosing a cutting member. Commonly usedblades are made of carbon steel and surgical stainless steel. In oneembodiment, the blade is made of 400 series stainless steel. One bladethat has been used is a stainless steel cutting blade, with aGoldenedge.™. hard wear resistant coating and a Nedox.RTM. SF-2 releasecoating, available from General Magnaplate. Other blades that may beused include stainless steel blades coated with a ceramic coating, suchas Titanium Nitride, Titanium Carbide, Tantalum Nitride, or TantalumCarbide. The blades can be coated by various coating means, including,but not limited to, plasma spray and flame spray. Still other bladesavailable include cryogenically treated stainless steel blades, heattreated blades, sintered blades, carbide blades, and diamond coatedblades. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that avariety of cutting members are available and will be able to select theappropriate cutting member based on a variety of factors, includingcutting member life and cost.

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 28, the cutting member 112 may beheld by a cutting member holder 272. In one embodiment, the cuttingmember holder 272 may be a two-piece structure wherein the cuttingmember 112 is held within the two pieces. In another embodiment, thecutting member 112 may be attached to, or integrally molded into,one-half of the two-piece structure (see FIG. 29). In yet anotherembodiment, the cutting member holder 272 may be a one-piece structureand the cutting member 112 is integrally molded within the one-piecestructure. When a two-piece structure is used, the two halves may bejoined by any method known to those of ordinary skill in the art,including, but not limited to, adhesives, sonic welding, and snap-lock.

In one embodiment, the cutting member holder 272 is capable of beingmanually inserted into and removed from the cutting member assembly 100.As shown in FIG. 30, the cutting member assembly 100 may have areceiving orifice 274 that is capable of receiving the cutting memberholder 272. The receiving orifice 274 may have a protrusion 276 that iscapable of being in lockable communication with a holder protrusion 278located on the body of the cutting member holder 272. In operation, whenthe cutting member holder 272 is fully inserted into the receivingorifice 274, the orifice protrusion 276 may overlap the holderprotrusion 278, thereby positively holding the cutting member holder 272in place. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thereare various other structures and methods that can be employed topositively hold the cutting member holder in the receiving orifice.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 28-29, the leading edge 282 of thecutting member 112 may have a double beveled edge to provide a sharpedge for cutting the film. Moreover, the cutting member 112 may have asubstantially rectangular body portion 280 in the cutting area, suchthat the leading edge 282 and the trailing edge 283 meet at asubstantially right angle.

Each cutting member assembly 100 and, hence, each cutting member 112 maybe oriented such that the cutting end of the cutting member 112 liesbetween the wheels 104 of a wheel assembly 98 when the web cutter 92 isat rest. Moreover, when the web cutter 92 is at rest, the cuttingmembers 112 can be prevented from extending below the wheels 104. Inparticular, at rest, the posts 108 can be in contact with the fixed ring84. According to one embodiment, when the web cutter 92 is engaged,i.e., capable of cutting the film 20, as described below, the cuttingmembers 112 may be allowed to protrude below the wheels 104 because thecutting member assembly 100 is moved vertically away from the fixed ring84 allowing the wheel assembly 98 to retract.

As noted previously, the lower plate 88 may be positioned beneath themodular rotational assembly 22. The lower plate 88 may have an opening90 for receiving an open-topped beverage container 16. The opening 90may be substantially circular. In one embodiment, the opening 90 has adiameter slightly larger than the outside brim 18 diameter of thelargest beverage container 16 to be lidded with the device, for example4.25″. When a web cutter 92 is included in the system, the lower plate88 may heave a cutting groove 114 (see FIG. 9) that is capable ofreceiving one or more cutting members 112. The cutting groove 114 may besubstantially circular. The modular rotational assembly 22 and the lowerplate 88 may be oriented such that the cutting members 112 are capableof traveling in the cutting groove 114.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the web cutter 92 may include theglass clamp 116. The glass clamp 116 may be interposed between thesolenoid 94 and the activation plate 118. In particular, the solenoid 94may be positioned above and in contact with a first end of the glassclamp 116 and the protective optical element 34 is in contact with asecond end of the glass clamp 116.

The film 20 may be disposed between the lower plate 88 and the modularrotational assembly 22. In particular, as most clearly shown in FIG. 9,the film 20 may be located between the lower plate 88 and the wheels 104of the wheel assembly 98. According to one embodiment, when the webcutter 92 is in the stand-by mode, the wheels 104 should not contactwith the film 20, and the cutting members 112 should not protrude belowthe wheels 104. In addition, because the cutting members 112 should notprotrude below the wheels 104, the cutting members 112 are preventedfrom coming into contact with or cutting an operator.

The modularity of the rotational assembly 22, discussed above, allowsfor the removal of the modular rotational assembly 22 for servicing andmaintenance, as well as its replacement in the lidding system with aspare modular rotational assembly 22. In addition, because of theprotection from the cutting members 112 provided by the wheels 104, themodular rotational assembly 22 can be removed without exposing theoperator to the risk of being cut. In particular, prior to removal ofthe modular rotational assembly 22, clips (not shown) can be placed onthe exposed portion 111 of the wheel assembly posts 108, therebypreventing the wheels 104 from being pushed upwards and exposing thecutting members 112.

In one embodiment, the modular rotational assembly 22 may includepositively biased and pivotable wheel retraction stopper means 284. Inparticular, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 31, the wheel retraction stoppermeans 284, which is in communication with the upper plate 24, mayinclude a cylindrical housing 286 having a pivot driver 288 located atone end that extends above the upper plate 24 and a stopper piece 290located at the opposite end. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, thepivot driver 288 has a length and a width, the length beingdimensionally longer than the width. The cylindrical housing 286 mayinclude a biasing means 291 that forces a finger portion 292 (see FIG.31) of the stopper piece 290 to contact the exposed portion of the wheelassembly posts 108, thereby preventing the wheels 104 from being pushedupwards and exposing the cutting members 112. The biasing means 291should provide torsional biasing force to the stopper piece 290. In oneembodiment, the biasing means 291 is a torsion spring. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that there are other methods that canprovide the appropriate torsional biasing force to the stopper piece.Other such methods will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan andmay be used in the present invention.

In operation, when the modular rotational assembly 22 is disengaged fromthe driver 48, the stopper piece 290 contacts the exposed portion of thewheel assembly posts 108, thereby preventing the wheels 104 from beingpushed upwards and exposing the cutting members 112. As such, when themodular rotational assembly 22 is removed, the risk of injury to theperson removing the assembly is reduced, as the cutting members 112 areprevented from extending below the wheels 104. When the modularrotational assembly 22 is placed into communication with the driver 48,prior to rotating the assembly 22 into engagement with the driver 48,the pivot driver 288 may be received by a pivot driver receiving portion294 (see FIG. 15) located on the driver 48. As shown in FIG. 15, thepivot driver receiving portion 294 may have an opening 296 at one endthat mimics the shape of the pivot driver 288, and an elongated portion298 having a width that is dimensionally shorter than the length of thepivot driver 288. When the modular rotational assembly 22 is rotatedinto place, the pivot driver 288 may slide from the opening 296 to theelongated portion 298, causing the pivot driver 288 to turn, therebyrotating the stopper piece 290 to rotate away from the post 108 andallowing the post 108, and hence the wheels 104, to be pushed upwardsand expose the cutting members 112. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that there are other means available for pivoting thestopper piece away from the post and thereby allowing vertical movementof the wheels.

The operation of the web cutter 92 will now be discussed. After anopen-topped container, such as a beverage container 16, has been lidded,the film 20 is advanced to the web cutter 92 for preparation, i.e.,cutting, of the next lid. The web cutter 92 may include a sensor 122(see FIGS. 5 and 12). As the film 20 is advanced, the sensor 122 maydetermine the location of an eye mark (not shown) on the film 20. Whenthe eye mark reaches a specified location, the sensor 122 may cause themovement of the film 20 to stop and, in addition, activate the webcutter 92 program, which is operated by a controller.

According to the web cutter 92 program, the solenoid 94, which ispositioned above and in contact with the glass clamp 116, may pushdownward on the glass clamp 116, thereby forcing the modular rotationalassembly 22 downward. The downward force is transferred to the modularrotational assembly 22 through the vertical alignment mounting bracket136. As the upper plate 24 and the modular rotational assembly 22 traveldownward, the wheels 104 of the wheel assemblies 98 contact the lowerplate 88, thereby stopping the vertical travel of the wheels 104. Toallow the upper plate 24 and the modular rotational assembly 22 tocontinue to travel downward, the wheel assembly posts 108 may extendthrough the upper plate 24. The travel of the upper plate 24 and themodular rotational assembly 22 may continue until the protective opticalelement 34 contacts the lower plate 88. While the wheels 104 may beprevented from further travel by the lower plate 88, the cutting members112 may travel further to extend below the wheels 104 and into the lowerplate cutting groove 114. The web cutter 92 is now in the operatingposition.

Once in the operating position, the driver 48 is activated, causing themodular rotational assembly 22, along with the one or more cuttingmembers 112, to rotate. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the rotation of the modular rotational assembly 22 canalso start at the same time that the solenoid 94 is activated. As thecutting members 112 rotate, the film 20 is cut. The wheels 104 mayprovide tension on the film 20 as it is being cut. In particular,because one wheel 104 of each wheel assembly 98 is located on eitherside of the cutting member 112, as the film 20 is cut, the wheels 104may hold the film 20 in position. The degree of rotation of the modularrotational assembly 22 is determined by the number of cutting members112 used. For instance, if two cutting members 112 are used, the driver48 should rotate at least 180 degrees, that is, at least one-half of thecircumference. On the other hand, if five cutting members 112 are used,the driver 48 need only travel at least seventy-two degrees, or at leastone-fifth of the circumference.

Once the film 20 has been cut, the cutting assembly 100 may retract toits rest position. An open-topped container 16 can then be liftedthrough the opening 90 in the lower plate 88, thereby contacting thefilm 20, and initiating the sealing process, as described above.

In another embodiment, the lidding system 40 may include a perforationassembly 140. When the beverage in the container being lidded iscarbonated, gases can build, thereby possibly deteriorating the sealingstrength or appearance of the lid. Accordingly, it may be desirable toallow for the release of these gases. One method for releasing the gasesthat has been effective is to puncture, or provide a slit in, the film20 prior to lidding. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 12, theperforation assembly 140 may include a solenoid 142 and a perforationblade 144. The perforation assembly 140 may also be located exterior ofthe lidding system 40. After the film 20 is advanced to the cuttingposition, the solenoid 142 may be activated, causing the blade 144 topuncture the film 20. In this embodiment, the solenoid 140 actsdownwardly on the blade 144, thereby pushing the blade 144 into the film20 such that it punctures the film 20.

In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 32, the perforation assembly 140may include a solenoid 142, a pivotally mounted perforation arm 300, anda perforation blade 144. In particular, the solenoid 142 may be housedin a solenoid mounting bracket 302, which may be fixedly attached to theframe (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 33-34, at an upper end, themounting bracket 3022 may be in communication with a perforation bladeguard 304. A first end 306 of the blade guard 304 may be pivotallyattached to the mounting bracket 302, and a second end 308 of the bladeguard 304 may have a recessed portion 310. As shown in FIGS. 33-34, theperforation arm 300 may be pivotally mounted to the perforation bladeguard 304. A first end 312 of the perforation arm 300 may be incommunication with the solenoid 142. The first end 312 of theperforation arm 300 may be downwardly biased against the solenoid 142 bya spring 314 (see FIG. 32), or other means known to those of ordinaryskill in the art for providing a biasing force.-A second end 316 of theperforation arm 300 may be in communication with the perforation blade144. The perforation blade 144 depicted in FIG. 32 is a standardsickle-shaped surgical blade, although any blade capable of puncturingthe film 20 may be used.

In one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 32, the blade 144 may be held by ablade holder 318, the blade holder 318 in direct communication with theperforation arm 300. In one embodiment, the blade holder 318 may be atwo-piece structure wherein the blade 144 is held within the two pieces.In another embodiment, the blade 144 may be integrally molded toone-half of the two-piece structure. In yet another embodiment, theblade holder 318 may be a one-piece structure and the blade 144 isintegrally molded within the one-piece structure. When a two-piecestructure is used, the two halves of the blade holder can be connectedby snap-lock means, adhesive, sonic welding, or other methods know tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that there are other methods for puncturing the film toallow for escape of gas. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that gas permeable films could be used with the presentinvention.

In one embodiment, the blade holder 318 is capable of being positivelyheld by the perforation arm 300. In particular, as shown in FIG. 32, theblade holder may have protrusions 320. In addition the perforation arm300 may have a receiving slot 322, where the distal ends of the arms ofthe slot 322 have holding members 324. In operation, the blade holder318 may be inserted into the receiving slot 322 such that the holdingmembers 324 are in an overlapping relationship with the blade holderprotrusions 320, thereby positively holding the blade holder 318 inposition.

As described above, after the film 20 is advanced to the cuttingposition, the solenoid 142 may be activated. When the solenoid 142 isactivated, the solenoid 142 acts upwardly on the perforation arm 300.The perforation arm 300 pivots about its axis, bringing the blade 144into contact with the film 20.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS.12-13, the lidding system 40 may include a film guide 160 forcontrolling the movement of the film 20 and for keeping the film 20 inproper alignment as it is being transferred from the web cutter 92 tothe take-up reel 44. This guide 160 is designed to effectively controlalignment of both a continuous film, as well as a non-continuous film,e.g., a film having cutouts.

As seen in FIG. 13, the film guide 160 may comprise a generallytrapezoidally-shaped guide portion 162. According to one embodiment, thefilm guide 160 may be mounted substantially perpendicularly to themachine direction of the film 20. In one embodiment, the film guide 160is mounted on spring-like means 164 such that the film guide 160 iscapable of moving up and down to accommodate the film 20 as it travelsto the take-up reel 44. In another embodiment, the trapezoidally-shapedguide portion 162 can be mounted on an axis having pivot ends (notshown), thereby allowing the trapezoidally-shaped guide portion 162 topivot about the axis so as to maintain a proper guiding position of theweb regardless of whether a continuous film 20 or a film 20 with cutoutsis being guided. In still yet another embodiment, as depicted in FIG.35, the trapezoidally-shaped guide portion 162 is a single, fixed piece.The upper portion 166 of the trapezoidally-shaped guide portion 162 maybe dimensioned such that it is shorter in length than the diameter of acutout portion of the film 20. Thus, when the film having cutoutportions passes over the film guide 160, the upper portion 166 mayprotrude through the cutout portion and the outer edges of the cutoutportion may contact the angular side portions 168 of thetrapezoidally-shaped guide portion 162. When the angular side portions168 are in contact with the film 20, the film 20 may be forced outward,thereby maintaining proper tension and alignment of the film 20. Whenproper tension and alignment of the film 20 is maintained, the film 20can be smoothly transferred to the take-up reel 44.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A system for heat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped containerincluding: at least one reflector having a reflective interior surface;at least one radiant energy source, the at least one reflector and theat least one radiant energy source being rotationally mounted, to allowthe at least one reflector to rotate around a central axis whilesimultaneously directing radiant energy from the at least one radiantenergy source toward the central axis; and means for focusing radiantenergy on one or more selected subregions of a portion of the filmcovering the open top of the container to create a selected weakenedzone for receiving a straw.
 2. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 1 wherein the means for focusing radiant enemy includes astraw-hole lamp.
 3. The heat shrinking system according to claim 2wherein the straw-hole lamp is pre-heated.
 4. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 2 wherein the straw-hole lamp further includes areflector.
 5. The heat shrinking system according to claim 4 wherein thestraw-hole lamp further includes a reflector having cooling fins.
 6. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 4 wherein an inner reflectivesurface of the straw-hole lamp further includes a substantiallyellipsoidalily shaped reflector.
 7. The heat shrinking system accordingto claim 2 wherein the straw-hole lamp is configured to impart radiantenergy on a selected radiant energy absorbing round area on the filmintended to be ruptured to define a hole for receiving a straw.
 8. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 2 wherein the straw-hole lampis configured to impart onto the film a weakened rupturable area havinga strengthening annulus surrounding the weakened area which weakenedarea is adapted to be ruptured to receive a drinking straw.
 9. The heatshrinking system according to claim 1 wherein the means for focusingradiant enemy includes at least one fixed radiant energy assemblyconfigured to impart and direct radiant energy to a surface of the film.10. The heat shrinking system according to claim 9, wherein the at leastone fixed radiant energy assembly further includes a drink markingreflector and a drink marking reflector housing.
 11. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 10 wherein the drink marking reflector housingis elongated and wherein the elongated drink marking reflector housinghas cooling fins.
 12. The heat shrinking system according o claim 10wherein an inner surface of the drink marking reflector is substantiallyellipsoidal.
 13. The heat shrinking system according to claim 9 whereinthe means for focusing radiant energy includes at least two fixedradiant energy assemblies.
 14. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 9 wherein the means for focusinci radiant energy includes fourfixed radiant energy assemblies.
 15. The heat shrinking system accordingto claim 9 wherein the film has at least one indica for indicating drinktype on a surface thereof.
 16. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 15 wherein the at least one indica is selected from the groupconsisting of “soda”, “diet”, “cola”. “water”, “orange”, and “other”.17. The heat shrinking system according to claim 15 wherein the at leastone indica includes a radiant energy absorbent area.
 18. The heatshrinking system according to claim 15 wherein the at least one fixedradiant energy assembly is located in proximity to the at least oneindica, and wherein the radiant energy imparted from the at least onefixed radiant energy assembly is capable of impinging its proximateindicia.
 19. The heat shrinking system according to claim 9, wherein theat least one radiant enemy assembly is pre-heated.
 20. The heatshrinking system according to claim 1 further including a perforationassembly.
 21. The heat shrinking system according to claim 1 furtherincluding a film guide.
 22. A system for heat shrinking a film onto anopen-topped container including: at least one reflector having areflective interior surface; at least one radiant energy source, the atleast one reflector and the at least one radiant energy source beingrotationally mounted, to allow the at least one reflector to rotatearound a central axis while simultaneously directing radiant energy fromthe at least one radiant energy source toward the central axis; a filmbrake and tension controller including: a substantially U-shapedmechanical arm having a first end and a second end, the second endforming a cross bar and a force applying means; and a guide bar, theguide bar being in communication with the cross bar, the guide bar beingat least slightly V-shaped.
 23. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 22 wherein the force applying means is a weight.
 24. The heatshrinking system according to claim 23 wherein the force applying meanshas a mass of about 1.5 to about 3.5 lbs.
 25. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 22 wherein the force applying means is a spring. 26.A system for heat shrinking a film onto an open-topped containerincluding: at least one reflector having a reflective interior surface;at least one radiant energy source, the at least one reflector and theat least one radiant energy source being rotationally mounted, to allowthe at least one reflector to rotate around a central axis whilesimultaneously directing radiant energy from the at least one radiantenergy source toward the central axis; and a film brake and tensioncontroller including: a substantially U-shaped mechanical arm having afirst end and a second end, the first end of the mechanical arm havingpivot ends; and, the second end forming a cross bar; and a forceapplying means.
 27. The heat shrinking system according to claim 26wherein the cross bar is at least slightly V-shaped.
 28. The heatshrinking system according to claim 26 further including a guide bar,the guide bar being in communication with the cross bar.
 29. The heatshrinking system according to claim 26 wherein the second end is at anangular orientation to the first end.
 30. A system for heat shrinking afilm onto an open-topped container including: at least one reflectorhaving a reflective interior surface; at least one radiant energysource, the at least one reflector and the at least one radiant energysource being rotationally mounted, to allow the at least one reflectorto rotate around a central axis while simultaneously directing radiantenergy from the at least one radiant energy source toward the centralaxis; and a perforation assembly including a solenoid, a pivotallymounted perforation arm, and a perforation blade, the solenoid beingcapable of displacing the perforation arm.
 31. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 30 further including a perforation blade guard. 32.The heat shrinking system according to claim 30 wherein the pivotallymounted perforation arm is downwardly biased against the solenoid. 33.The heat shrinking system according to claim 30 wherein an end of theperforation blade is housed in a blade holder.
 34. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 33 wherein the perforation blade is integrallymolded to the blade holder.
 35. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 33 wherein the perforation arm is capable of positively holdingthe blade holder.
 36. A system for heat-shrinking a film onto anopen-topped container including: a modular rotational assembly, themodular rotational assembly including at least one reflector having areflective interior surface, and at least one radiant energy source,wherein the at least one reflector and the at least one radiant energysource are rotationally mounted to allow the at least one reflector torotate around a central axis while simultaneously directing radiantenergy from the at least one radiant energy source toward the centralaxis, and a stationarily mounted straw-hole lamp assembly and a platehaving a radiant energy passing region configured to (1) impinge a spotof radiant energy on a region of the film imprinted with an energyabsorbing substance such that a round thin area surrounded by astrengthening annulus is defined in the film, the round thin area beingconfigured to be ruptured by and receive a drinking straw and (2)blocking other regions of the film from receiving radiant energy. 37.The heat shrinking system according to claim 36 further including aperforation assembly.
 38. The heat shrinking system according to claim36 further including a film guide and a web cutter.
 39. A system forheat shrinking a film onto an open-topped container including: a modularrotational assembly, at least one reflector having a reflective interiorsurface, and at least one radiant energy source, wherein the at leastone reflector and the at least one radiant energy source arerotationally mounted to allow the at least one reflector to rotatearound a central axis while simultaneously directing radiant energy fromthe at least one radiant energy source toward the central axis, themodular rotational assembly including: at least two locking posts and adriver including at least two detents capable of receiving the at leasttwo locking posts.
 40. The heat shrinking system according to claim 39including at least two reflectors.
 41. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 39 including at least three reflectors.
 42. The heatshrinking system according to claim 39 further including a protectiveoptical element.
 43. The heat shrinking system according to claim 42wherein the protective optical element is plastic.
 44. The heatshrinking system according to claim 42 wherein the protective opticalelement is glass.
 45. The heat shrinking system according to claim 39wherein the interior surface of the at least one reflector is coatedwith a material to enhance surface reflectivity.
 46. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 39 wherein the interior surface of the atleast one reflector is coated with a gold or silver metallic reflectivesurface.
 47. The heat shrinking system according to claim 39 furtherincluding a driver, and wherein the modular rotational assembly isslideably connectable to the driver.
 48. A system for heat-shrinking afilm onto an open-topped container including: at least one reflectorhaving a reflective interior surface; wherein the at least one reflectoris mounted to allow the at least one reflector to rotate around acentral axis while simultaneously allowing the reflective interiorsurface to face the central axis; a drink marking system including: aradiant energy source configured to direct radiant energy toward aportion of the film spanning an open top of the container; a platehaving predefined radiant energy passing regions and predefined radiantenergy blocking regions such that regions of the film which receive theradiant energy passing through the predefined radiant enemy passingregions shrink differentially relative to regions of the film blockedfrom receiving radiant energy by the predefined radiant energy blockingregions, the predefined radiant energy passing regions and thepredefined radiant energy blocking regions being configured such thatthe differential shrinking of the film provides an indication of thecontents of the container.
 49. The heat-shrinking system according toclaim 48 wherein the reflector includes at least one radiant energysource.
 50. The heat-shrinking system according to claim 48 furtherincluding a protective optical element, wherein the protective opticalelement is provided at an opening in the heat-shrinking system.
 51. Theheat-shrinking system according to claim 50 wherein the protectiveoptical element is plastic.
 52. The heat-shrinking system according toclaim 50 wherein the protective optical element is glass.
 53. Theheat-shrinking system according to claim 48 wherein the interior surfaceof the reflector is coated with a material to enhance surfacereflectivity.
 54. The heat-shrinking system according to claim 53wherein the interior surface of the reflector is coated with a gold orsilver metallic reflective surface.
 55. The heat-shrinking systemaccording to claim 48, further including: a web cutter.
 56. A heatshrinking system for heat shrinking a film onto an open-topped containerincluding: at least one reflector having a reflective interior surface;at least one radiant energy source, the at least one reflector and theat least one radiant energy source being rotationally mounted, to allowthe at least one reflector to rotate around a central axis whilesimultaneously directing radiant energy from the at least one radiantenergy source toward the central axis; and a web cutter including: atleast one wheel assembly, wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheelhousing and at least two wheel members; and at least one cutting memberdisposed between the at least two wheel members, wherein the at leastone wheel assembly has a first position wherein the at least one cuttingmember does not extend below the at least two wheel members and a secondposition wherein the at least one cutting member extends below the atleast two wheel members.
 57. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 56 including at least two reflectors.
 58. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 56 including at least three reflectors. 59.The heat shrinking system according to claim 56 further including aprotective optical element.
 60. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 59 wherein the protective optical element is plastic.
 61. The heatshrinking system according to claim 59 wherein the protective opticalelement is glass.
 62. The heat shrinking system according to claim 56wherein the interior surface of the at least one reflector is coatedwith a material to enhance surface reflectivity.
 63. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 62 wherein the interior surface of the atleast one reflector is coated with a gold or silver metallic reflectivesurface.
 64. The heat shrinking system according to claim 56 wherein theat 1east one reflector has cooling fins.
 65. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 56 wherein the at least one radiant energy source ispre-heated.
 66. The heat shrinking system according to claim 56 furtherincluding a marking means.
 67. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 56 further including a radiant energy drink marking system. 68.The heat shrinking system according to claim 56 further including a filmbrake and tension controller.
 69. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 68 wherein the film brake and tension controller includes: asubstantially U-shaped mechanical arm having a first end and a secondend, the second end forming a cross bar; and a force applying means. 70.The heat shrinking system according to claim 56 wherein the web cutterfurther includes an upper plate having at least one receiving hole, andwherein the at least one wheel assembly includes at least one post thatis in slideable communication with the at least one receiving hole, andwherein the at least one cutting member is in fixed communication withthe upper plate.
 71. The heat shrinking system according to claim 70,the web cutter further including: a top plate; a vertical alignmentmounting bracket, wherein the vertical alignment mounting bracket is incommunication with the top plate and in communication with the upperplate; and a fixed ring, wherein the fixed ring is capable of being incommunication with a distal end of the at least one post.
 72. The heatshrinking system according to claim 71, the web cutter further includinga fixed ring recess in the fixed ring, wherein the fixed ring recess iscapable of receiving a top plate positioning member, and wherein the topplate positioning member is in fixed communication with the top plate.73. The heat shrinking system according to claim 72, the web cutterfurther including a spring member, wherein the spring member is capableof maintaining a separating force between the top plate and the fixedring.
 74. The heat shrinking system according to claim 71, the webcutter further including a lower plate.
 75. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 74, wherein the lower plate has a cutting groovecapable of receiving the cutting member.
 76. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 74, wherein the lower plate has an opening capable ofreceiving an open-topped container.
 77. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 71, the web cutter further including a glass clamp mcommunication with the vertical alignment mounting bracket.
 78. The heatshrinking system according to claim 77, the web cutter further includinga solenoid in communication with the glass clamp and capable of exertinga downward force on the glass clamp.
 79. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 70 further including a driver in communication withthe upper plate, the driver capable of providing rotational movement tothe upper plate.
 80. The heat shrinking system according to claim 56wherein the web cutter includes at least two wheel assemblies.
 81. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 56 wherein the web cutterincludes at least three wheel assemblies.
 82. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 56 wherein the web cutter includes at least twocutting members.
 83. The heat shrinking system according to claim 56wherein the web cutter includes at least three cutting members.
 84. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 56 wherein the at least twowheel members are rotatably mounted on an axis.
 85. A heat shrinkingsystem comprising: at least one reflector having a reflective interiorsurface; at least one radiant energy source, the at least one reflectorand the at least one radiant energy source being rotationally mounted,to allow the at least one reflector to rotate around a central axiswhile simultaneously directing radiant energy from the at least oneradiant energy source toward the central axis; and a web cutterincluding: a modular rotational assembly, wherein the modular 10rotational assembly includes an upper plate having at least onereceiving hole, at least one wheel assembly, wherein the at least onewheel assembly includes a wheel housing and at least two wheel members,and at least one cutting member disposed between the at least two wheelmembers, wherein the at least one wheel assembly has a first positionwherein the at least one cutting member does not extend below the atleast two wheel members and a second position wherein the at least onecutting member extends below the at least two wheel members.
 86. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 85 wherein the at least onewheel assembly includes at least one post that is in slideablecommunication with the at least one receiving hole, and wherein the atleast one cutting member is in fixed communication with the upper plate.87. The heat shrinking system according to claim 85 wherein the webcutter includes at least two wheel assemblies.
 88. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 85 wherein the web cutter includes at leastthree wheel assemblies.
 89. The heat shrinking system according to claim85 wherein the web cutter includes at least two cutting members.
 90. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 85 wherein the web cutterincludes at least three cutting members.
 91. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 85 wherein the at least two wheel members arerotatably mounted on an axis.
 92. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 85 wherein the at least one cutting member is housed within atleast one cuffing member assembly, wherein an upper portion of the atleast one cutting member assembly extends above the upper plate.
 93. Theheat shrinking system according to claim 85 wherein the upper portion ofthe cutting member is a locking post.
 94. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 93 further including a driver, and wherein themodular rotational assembly is slideably connectable to the driver. 95.The heat shrinking system according to claim 94 wherein the modularrotational assembly further includes at least two locking posts and thedriver further includes at least two detents capable of receiving the atleast two locking posts.
 96. The heat shrinking system according toclaim 85 further including at least one wheel retraction stopper meanscapable of holding the at least two wheel members in the first positionwhen the modular rotational assembly is removed from the heat shrinkingsystem.
 97. The heat shrinking system according to claim 96 wherein theat least one wheel retraction stopper means includes a cylindricalhousing, a pivot driver located at a first end of the cylindricalhousing and extending above the upper plate, and a stopper piece locatedat a second end of the cylindrical housing.
 98. The heat shrinkingsystem according to claim 97 wherein the stopper piece is positivelybiased to contact a wheel assembly post.
 99. The heat shrinking systemaccording to claim 98 further including a driver, wherein the driverfurther includes openings capable of receiving the pivot driver. 100.The heat shrinking system according to claim 99 wherein the stopperpiece is capable of being moved away from the post when the pivot driveris received in at least one of the openings.